Faculty of Letters and Human Sciences

Department of English prof.hammani@yahoo.co.uk

Cadi Ayyad Unive rsity Academic Year: 2020/2021

Dr. Hammani Mohamed

m.hammani@uca.ma

“He who never made a mistake, never made a discovery”

Samuel Smiles

The Functions of Noun Phrases

A phrase is a group of words that makes sense, but only partly. The noun head can be
accompanied by modifier, determiners and complements.

Noun phrases including nouns and pronouns perform eleven main grammatical functions
within sentences in the English language. The nine functions of nouns and noun phrases are:

 Noun phrase head

 Subject
 Subject complement 1- Noun phrase head
 Direct object
 Object complement The first grammatical function that nouns perform is
 Indirect object the noun phrase head. A noun phrase consists of a
 Prepositional complement noun including a pronoun plus any determiners,
 Noun phrase modifier modifiers, and complements. For example, the
 Appositive
following italicized nouns function as noun phrase
 Verb complment
heads:

1. The big blue fish

2. someone to love
3. An old woman who is in red

2- Subject

The second grammatical function that noun phrases perform is the subject. A subject is a
word, phrase, or clause that performs the action of or acts upon the verb. For example, the
following italicized noun phrases function as subjects:

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 1. The kid cried.
2. Dogs and cats are domestic pets.
3. I love grammar III

3- Subject Complement

The third grammatical function that noun phrases perform is the subject complement. A
subject complement is a word, phrase, or clause that follows a copular, or linking, verb and
describes the subject of a clause. The terms predicate nominative and predicate noun are also
used for noun phrases that function as subject complements. For example, the following
italicized noun phrases function as predicate nominatives:

1. My grandfather is a farmer.
2. Our favorite pets are cats with black hair.
3. The woman whom you are looking for is my aunt.

4- Direct Object

The fourth grammatical function that noun phrases perform is the direct object. A direct
object is a word, phrase, or clause that follows a transitive verb and answers the question
“who?” or “what?” receives the action of the verb. For example, the following italicized noun
phrases function as direct objects:

1. The children ate some chocolate.

2. My professor recommended an interesting grammar book.
3. The woman has always hated mice and cockroach.

5- Object Complement

The fifth grammatical function that noun phrases perform is the object complement. Object
complements are defined as nouns, pronouns, noun phrases, adjectives, and adjective phrases
that directly follow and modify the direct object. For example, the following italicized noun
phrases function as object complements:

1. They named the boy Jakie.

2. My aunt calls her dog tiger.
3. America has recently elected Joe Biden president.

6- Indirect Object

The sixth grammatical function that noun phrases perform is the indirect object. An indirect
object is word, phrase, or clause that indicates to or for whom or what the action of a di-
transitive verb is performed. For example, the following italicized noun phrases function as
indirect objects:

1. My beloved wife bought me a watch.

2. I gave my mother a call.
3. John bought Mary a ring.

7- Prepositional Complement

The seventh grammatical function that noun phrases perform is the prepositional
complement. A prepositional complement is a word, phrase, or clause that directly follows a
preposition and completes the meaning of the prepositional phrase. For example, the
following italicized noun phrases function as prepositional complements:
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 1. My wife bought flowers for me.
2. The students studied online during the COVID-19 pandemic.
3. Because of the lengthy delay, we missed our flight.
4. John sat on the chair.
5. David lives in a beautiful house.

8- Noun Phrase Modifier

The eighth grammatical function that noun phrases perform is the noun phrase modifier. A
noun phrase modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies or describes a noun including
a pronoun or a noun phrase. For example, the following italicized noun phrases function as
noun phrase modifiers:

1. The child actor won an award.

2. The carpenter fixed the broken table leg.
3. We reserved twenty hotel rooms.

9- Appositive

The ninth grammatical function that noun phrases perform is the appositive. An appositive is
a word, phrase, or clause that modifies or explains another noun phrase. For example, the
following italicized noun phrases function as appositives:

1. My grandfather, the farmer, bought a tractor.

2. The teacher, my uncle, assigns a lot of homework.
3. My childhood friend, Anne-Marie, loved horses

10- Noun phrase as a verb complement

 She resembles her mother.
 I have an interesting book.

The ten functions of noun phrases are noun phrase head, subject, subject complement, direct
object, object complement, indirect object, prepositional complement, noun phrase modifier,
and appositive.

Summary:

“The beautiful garden in Eltham which the magazine featured”

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 The Functions of Prepositional Phrases
Prepositional phrases are phrases that consist of a preposition plus another word, phrase, or
clause functioning as a prepositional complement. Prepositions and prepositional phrase
perform twelve primary grammatical functions within sentences in the English language.
The twelve primary functions of prepositions and prepositional phrases are:

 Prepositional phrase head - Subject of the sentence

 Noun phrase complement - Direct object
 Noun phrase modifier - Indirect object
 Adjective phrase complement - Object complement
 Verb phrase complement
 Adjunct adverbial
 Disjunct adverbial
 Conjunct
 Subject complement

1- Prepositional phrase head

The first grammatical function that prepositions perform is the prepositional phrase head. A
prepositional phrase consists of a preposition plus another phrase or clause that functions as
the prepositional complement. For example, the following italicized prepositions function as
prepositional phrase heads:

1. in the school
2. after midnight
3. for a long time
4. under the tree

2- Noun Phrase complement

The second grammatical function that prepositional phrases perform is the noun phrase
complement.

1. the puppy with the white fur

2. the book of grammar

It should be noted that PPs with the preposition of functions as NP complements, and a
large number of PPs starting with ’from and to ’ have also the same function.

Examples: NPs are italicized

1) This is the father [of Fatima.]
2) This is the road [to school] [from home.]

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 3- Noun phrase modifier ( post-modifier)

When the prepositional phrase after the head noun is substituted with a relative clause,
it is definitely not a complement but rather a modifier. Consider this example:

 The book [on the table] is mine

In the example above, the PP [on the table] modifies the head noun ‘book’. It can be
turned into a relative clause as in the following example:

The book [that is on the table] is very interesting.

However, the PP [of Fatima] cannot be turned into a relative clause. We can never say:

*This is the father who is of Fatima. (incorrect)

In addition, the preposition of a PP complement is generally determined by the verb

and cannot be changed whereas the preposition of a PP modifier is easily changeable.
The omissibility criterion is evidence that the PP functions as a modifier.
The preposition of the PP modifier [on the table], for example, can be replaced by
[under the table], [next to the table], [behind the table], etc. However, the preposition
of the PP complement [of Fatima] cannot be changed. It is ungrammatical to say:

 *this is the father [in Fatima] or [at Fatima]. (incorrect)

More examples: PPs as noun modifiers ( post-modifiers)

1. The woman in the black sunglasses stole a wallet.
2. Someone with a grudge to settle broke several windows of the chemistry
building.
3. Twelve mice without tails scurried away.
4. A passenger near the front asked the conductor to stop the train.
5. Her daughter likes the little boy by the fence.
6. The ball under the table belongs to the dog across the street.
7. My English teacher encourages my passion for reading.
8. The boy with the red hat is my best friend.

4- Adjective Phrase Complement

The third grammatical function that prepositional phrases perform is the adjective phrase

complement. An adjective phrase complement is a word, phrase, or clause that completes the

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meaning of an adjective phrase. For example, the following italicized prepositional phrases

function as adjective phrase complements:

1. fond of bananas
2. afraid of falling down the stairs
3. aware of the dire consequences
4. happy for me
5. worried about his son’s behaviour

5- Verb Phrase Complement

The fourth grammatical function that prepositional phrases perform is the verb phrase

complement. A verb phrase complement is a word, phrase, or clause that completes the

meaning of a verb phrase. For example, the following italicized prepositional phrases

function as verb phrase complements:

a. rely on my husband
b. listen to the music
c. approve of my plan
d. put the book on the table.
e. put the fish into the freezer.
f. Disagree with you
g. Believe in your qualifications
h. Abide by the rules
i. Look at the board

With verbs of motion, prepositional phrases expressing a goal and/or source are licensed by
the verb and should be viewed as complements. Consider the following examples:

1. Ahmed flew from Rabat to Marseille in three hours. [source and goal]
2. My brother was calling from the school. [source]

6- Adjunct Adverbial

The fifth grammatical function that prepositional phrases perform is the adjunct adverbial.

An adjunct adverbial is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies an entire clause by providing

additional information about time, place, manner, condition, purpose, reason, result, and

concession. For example, the following italicized prepositional phrases function as adjunct

adverbials:

1. The children waited in line.

2. The couple is walking their dog along the beach.
3. He eats an apple under the tree.
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 7- Disjunct Adverbial

The sixth grammatical function that prepositional phrases perform is the disjunct adverbial. A

disjunct adverbial provides additional information to frame an entire clause. For example, the

following italicized prepositional phrases function as disjunct adverbials:

a) In my opinion, learning about grammar is fun.

b) For the love of goodness, the children need to stop whining.
c) With all due respect, you need to calm down.
d) In my point of view, this disease will stop once everyone respects the instructions of
the authorities.
e) According to the minister of education, all the websites that belong to the ministry
will be free.

8- Conjunct

A PP can also function as a conjunct. It connects the next sentence with previous
parts
of the discourse. For example:
On the other hand,
For instance,
As a result, etc.

The eighth function of prepositional phrases in English is subject complement

9- Subject complement

In grammar, a subject complement is a word, phrase, or clause that follows a copular, or

linking, verb and describes the subject of a clause. Although nouns including pronouns and

noun phrases most frequently perform the function, prepositional phrases sometimes,

although rarely, function as subject complements in English. Examples of prepositional

phrases as subject complements include the following:

1. The COVID-19 pandemic is under control.

2. I was at home.
3. A good place to study is in the library.
4. The worst part of my day is after lunch.
5. Your cat is under the bed.

The ninth function of prepositional phrases in English is subject of the sentence.

10- Subject of the sentence

A prepositional phrase can sometimes function as subject of the sentence. It occurs

before the main verb as in the following examples:

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 1. Before eight is the best time for sport.
2. Behind the fridge needs cleaning.

11- Direct object

In grammar, a direct object is a word, phrase, or clause that follows and receives the action

of a transitive verb. Although nouns, pronouns, and noun phrases most frequently perform

the function, prepositional phrases sometimes, although rarely, function as direct objects in

English. A Prepositional phrase can function as direct object of the verb. Consider the

examples below:

1. I should mop under the fridge.

2. I will decorate on top of the roof.
3. My father organizes in the closet.
4. My brother is painting along the ceiling.

12- Indirect object

In grammar, an indirect object is a word, phrase, or clause that indicates to or for whom or

what the action of a di-transitive verb is performed. Although nouns, pronouns, and noun

phrases most frequently perform the function, prepositional phrases sometimes, although

rarely, function as indirect objects in English.

In addition, a prepositional phrase can also function as indirect object. It receives the action

of the verb. It indicates TO WHOM the action of the verb is performed. Let’s consider the

following examples:

1. The maid gave inside the refrigerator a thorough scrubbing.

2. My mom has given behind the freezer a good scrubbing.
3. The decorator is giving inside the closet some serious consideration.
4. John gave behind the house consideration.

13- Object complement

In grammar, an object complement is a word or phrase that directly follows and

modifies the direct object. Although nouns, pronouns, and noun phrases most frequently

perform the function, prepositional phrases sometimes, although rarely, function as object

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complements in English. Examples of prepositional phrases as object complements include

the following:

1. Students declare the best time of year during the summer.

2. The tour guides announced the most dangerous place to swim along the southern
shore.
3. The reviewer named the most organized classrooms in the English building.
4. The Provost named the cleanest restrooms in the education building.

Marginal Prepositions: ( derived from verbs)

They function as prepositions. For example, concerning, considering, excluding, given, etc.

- [Concerning the exam], we will have only what we have covered at class.
- All my friends came to the party, [including John.]
- [Given his age], he is remarkably active.
- Lunch costs 150 DH per person, [excluding drinks].

In the examples above, “concerning” and “including” function as prepositions. They are
called “verbal-marginal prepositions” because they are derived from the verbs “concern”

There are some other marginal prepositions that are not derived from verbs called non-verb
marginal prepositions such as plus, minus, less. Consider the following examples:

- All the students were at class [minus John.]

- Eight plus two is ten.

Subordinate Clauses as Prepositional Complements

a-finite verb clauses as prepositional complements:

A finite tensed subordinate clause can also function as a complement of the preposition. It is a
dependent clause preceded by a subordinate conjunction. However, “that clause” cannot
function as a prepositional complement. Consider the following examples:

The players were listening [to what the coach said.]

 Susan was talking [about how she learnt English.]
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b- Nonfinite verb (present participle) clauses as prepositional complements :

 My friend is good [at writing short stories in English.]

 Many people learn English [through watching American movies.]

However, a nonfinite tenseless infinitive clause cannot function as a complement of the

preposition. We cannot use [Prep + to + verb].

Prepositional phrases as prepositional complements:

A prepositional phrase can also function as a complement of the preposition. It consists of a

preposition and its complement. Let us consider the following examples:
- I always wake up [at about seven o’clock.]

- John meets his friends [away from home.]

Adjective and adverb phrases as prepositional complements:

Adjective and adverb phrases can sometimes function as complements of prepositions as in

the examples below:

- It would be better to talk about this [in private.]

Private is an adjective phrase functions as a prepositional complement.

- [Until recently], I did not play football.

Recently is an adverb phrase functions as a complement of the preposition.

Prepositional phrases as prepositional complements

It is also possible to have another PP as a complement to the head preposition, for example,
from across the road. PP complements can be one of two types: those expressing time, for
example, until after the game, or place, for example, from behind the fence, away from
home, at about seven o’clock. There are also prepositions that require specific types of PP
complements. For example the preposition instead: instead of ice-cream. This nesting of
prepositional phrases can be represented diagrammatically as follows:

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 The Functions of Verb
Phrases/Non-finite Clauses
English verbs and verb phrases perform six primary grammatical functions within sentences
in the English language. Traditional grammars define verbs as words that name actions and
states. Verb phrases consist of a verb plus any modifiers, complements, particles, and
auxiliaries. The six functions of English verbs and verbs phrases are:

 Verb phrase head

 Noun phrase modifier
 Noun phrase complement
 Adjective phrase complement
 Verb phrase complement
 Adjunct adverbial

1- Verbs as Verb Phrase Heads :

The first grammatical function that verbs perform is the verb phrase head. A verb phrase

consists of a verb plus any modifiers, complements, particles, and auxiliaries including modal

verbs, operators, have, and be. For example, the following italicized verbs function as verb

phrase heads:

 read
 returned
 have borrowed
 will be painted
 ran quickly
 rather quietly snorted
 want to eat some strawberries
 would rather need to shower
 listen to the music
 should have done it

2- Verb Phrases as Noun Phrase Modifiers

The second grammatical function that verbs and verb phrases perform is the noun phrase

modifier. Noun phrase modifiers are defined as words and phrases that describe a noun or

noun phrase. For example, the following italicized verbs and verb phrases function as noun

phrase modifiers:

1. The woman reading the book just yelled at me. ( NFC)

2. My dog is the puppy chewing on the rawhide. ( NFC)

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 3. I saw the man sleeping on the bus. ( NFC)
4. Do you have a book to read in the car? ( NFC)
5. The food to eat is on the table. ( NFC)
6. The most recent news reported by the anchor made me sad. ( NFC)

3- Verb Phrases as Noun Phrase Complements

The third grammatical function that verbs and verb phrases perform is the noun phrase

complement. Noun phrase complements are defined as words and phrases that words, phrases,

and clauses that complete the meaning of a noun or noun phrase. For example, the following

italicized verbs and verb phrases function as noun phrase complements:

1. She has problems finding her shoes. ( NFC)

2. His trouble finishing his degree began years ago. ( NFC)
3. I get anxiety meeting new people. ( NFC)
4. We had troubles buying fresh fish. ( NFC)
5. Her anxiety going out in public makes life difficult. ( NFC)
6. We have a problem finishing assignments on time. ( NFC)

4- Verb Phrases as Adjective Phrase Complements

The fourth grammatical function that verbs and verb phrases in the form of infinitives perform

is the adjective phrase complement. Adjective phrase complements are defined as phrases

and clauses that complete the meaning of an adjective phrase. For example, the following

italicized verbs and verb phrases function as adjective phrase complements:

1. You should be excited to study grammar. ( NFC)

2. My children are sad to see their grandparents leave. ( NFC)
3. Your professor is curious to know why you dropped her class. ( NFC)
4. The students are eager to learn about current events. ( NFC)
5. His coworker is frightened to ask for a promotion. ( NFC)
6. I am irrationally afraid to fly. ( NFC)

5- Verb Phrases as Verb Phrase Complements

The fifth grammatical function that verbs and verb phrases in the form of infinitives perform

is the verb phrase complement. Verb phrase complements are defined as phrases that

complete the meaning of a verb phrase. Verb phrases in the form of infinitives and base forms

can function as verb phrase complements. The infinitive or base form following some

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catenative verbs functions as a verb phrase complement. For example, the following

italicized verbs and verb phrases function as verb phrase complements:

1. The students have to pass the test. ( NFC)

2. She intends to attend the ceremony. ( NFC)
3. My neighbors happen to own a hot air balloon. ( NFC)
4. Grandpa can come start the fire for the barbecue. ( NFC)
5. Would you come wash the dishes? ( NFC)

6- Verb Phrases as Adjunct Adverbials

The seventh grammatical function that verbs and verb phrases in the form of infinitives and

present participles perform is the adjunct adverbial. Adjunct adverbials are words, phrases,

and clauses that modify an entire clause by providing additional information about time,

place, manner, condition, purpose, reason, result, and concession. Verb phrases in the form of

infinitives and present participles can function as adjunct adverbials. For example, the

following italicized verbs and verb phrases function as adjunct adverbials:

1. Dancing, Margie broke her ankle. ( NFC)

2. Sam found a lost wallet walking to the store. ( NFC)
3. Running on the ice, the child slipped and fell. ( NFC)
4. To bake cookies, begin with butter, sugar, and flour. ( NFC)
5. She opened the window to let in some fresh air. ( NFC)
6. Fill your tank with gas to keep your engine running better. ( NFC)

The six grammatical functions of verbs and verb phrases are verb phrase head, noun phrase
modifier, noun phrase complement, adjective phrase complement, verb phrase complement,
and adjunct adverbial.

Transitivity

Transitivity describes the clause in terms of the number of basic constituents (mostly noun
phrase complements) that are required to make the clause grammatical. The verb determines
the transitivity of the clause.

There are five transitivity patterns in English. These patterns reflect the number and kinds of
complements and other complements required by different types of verbs.

English transitivity patterns

(S = subject, V = verb, O = object, O i = indirect object, O d = direct object, SC = subject
complement) OC= object complement

Transitivity type Basic Constituents Example

Intransitive SV - Jack smokes.
Complex intransitive S V SC -Jack is a teacher.
Transitive SVO -Jack ate an orange.
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 Complex transitive S V O OC -Jack considers George a genius.
Ditransitive S V O i Od -Jack gave Sarah a book.

Sometimes verbs can be transitive and intransitive. Let’s consider the following examples:
- Urged by the others, she sang.
- She sang the national anthem at the hockey game.
- After he cleaned up, he left.
- He left the gift on the table

The Functions of Adjective Phrases

Adjectives are traditionally defined as “words that describe nouns.” Adjective phrases are

defined as phrases that consist of an adjective plus any modifiers or complements such as

adverbs, prepositional phrases, verb phrases, and noun clauses.

Adjective phrases including adjectives perform four main grammatical functions within

sentences in the English language. The four functions of adjectives and adjective phrases are:

1. Adjective phrase head

2. Noun phrase modifier
3. Subject complement
4. Object complement

1. Adjectives as Adjective Phrase Heads

The first grammatical function that adjectives perform is the adjective phrase head. An

adjective phrase consists of an adjective plus any modifiers or complements. For example, the

following italicized adjectives function as adjective phrase heads:

 green
 extremely important
 fond of chocolate
 afraid to ask a question
 hopeful that the rain would stop

2. Noun Phrase Modifiers

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The second grammatical function that adjectives and adjective phrases perform is the noun

phrase modifier. A noun phrase modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies or

describes a noun including a pronoun or a noun phrase. For example, the following italicized

adjectives and adjective phrases function as noun phrase modifiers:

1. My sister planted red flowers in her garden.

2. The very tiny puppy barked at my father.
3. The restaurant served plain, tasteless soup.
4. The committee picked somebody stupid for our new leader.
5. Joe Biden was the president elect.

3. Subject Complements

The third grammatical function that adjectives and adjective phrases perform is the subject

complement. A subject complement is a word, phrase, or clause that follows a copular, or

linking, verb and describes the subject of a clause. The term predicate adjective is also used

for adjective phrases that function as subject complements. For example, the following

italicized adjectives and adjective phrases function as subject complements:

 Under the bed is very dirty.

 The cake tastes sweet.
 My cat is black.
 Your perfume smells good.
 I am fond of English grammar.
 Her face turns red
 The food goes bad
 The teacher got angry

The verbs that take subject complement:

Appear grow turn stay seem become be remain look smell work go
prove sound come fly make taste fall die run feel get keep break

4. Object Complements

The fourth grammatical function that adjectives and adjective phrases perform is the object

complement. An object complement is a word, phrase, or clause that directly follows and

modifies the direct object. For example, the following italicized adjectives and adjective

phrases function as object complements:

 The farmer painted the barn red.

15
  The little girl wanted her room bright pink.
 Catholics consider saints holy.
 The jury judged the defendant guilty.
 My puppy makes me happy.
 They found the house empty.
 They found him innocent .
 Wool socks will keep your feet very warm.
 I will keep the unions satisfied.

The verbs that take object complement:

Consider call elect declare find put like make paint think appoint prove
name

The four grammatical functions of adjectives and adjective phrases in English grammar are

adjective phrase head, noun phrase modifier, subject complement, and object complement.

The Functions of Adverb Phrases

Adverbs are traditionally defined as “words that describe verbs, adjectives, and other
adverbs.” Adverb phrases are defined as phrases that consist of an adverb plus any
modifiers such as another adverb. Adverb phrases including adverbs perform eight main
grammatical functions within sentences in the English language. The eight functions of
adverbs and adverb phrases are:

 Adverb phrase head

 Adjective phrase modifier
 Adverb phrase modifier
 Verb phrase modifier
 Prepositional phrase modifier
 Adjunct adverbial
 Disjunct adverbial
 Conjunct adverbial

The following sections explain and exemplify the eight grammatical functions of adverbs and
adverb phrases in English grammar.

1-Adverbs as Adverb Phrase Heads

The first grammatical function that adverbs perform is the adverb phrase head. An adverb
phrase consists of an adverb plus any modifiers. For example, the following italicized adverbs
function as adverb phrase heads:

 quickly
 quietly
 however
16
  unfortunately
 amazingly fast
 very well
 very loudly
 rather badly
 too much

2-Adverb Phrases as Adjective Phrase Modifiers

The second grammatical function that adverbs perform is the adjective phrase modifier. An
adjective phrase modifier is a word or phrase that that modifies or describes an adjective or
adjective phrase. For example, the following italicized adverbs and adverb phrases function as
adjective phrase modifiers:

1. The boldly brave toddler climbed onto the table.

2. Your newborn baby daughter is very beautiful.
3. Students who are clearly sick may not attend class.
4. Habitually absent employees will be fired.

3-Adverb Phrases as Adverb Phrase Modifiers

The third grammatical function that adverbs perform is the adverb phrase modifier. An
adverb phrase modifier is a word or phrase that modifies or describes an adverb or adverb
phrase. For example, the following italicized adverbs and adverb phrases function as adverb
phrase modifiers:

1. The music from next door is blaring extremely loudly.

2. Olympic runners can sprint very quickly.
3. Your suspiciously strange behavior tipped off the police.
4. My use of adverbs is almost always perfect.

4-Adverb Phrases as Verb Phrase Modifiers

The fourth grammatical function that adverbs perform is the verb phrase modifier. A verb
phrase modifiers is word or phrase that modifies or describes a verb or verb phrase. For
example, the following italicized adverbs and adverb phrases function as verb phrase
modifiers:

1. My pets wake promptly at sunrise.

2. He would not go back home.
3. Residents must quickly and quietly exit the building during the fire drill.
4. Her husband almost always forgets to take out the trash.

5-Adverb Phrases as Prepositional Phrase Modifiers

The fifth grammatical function that adverbs perform is the prepositional phrase modifier. A
prepositional phrase modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies or describes a
prepositional phrase. For example, the following italicized adverbs and adverb phrases
function as prepositional phrase modifiers:

1. You seem rather under the weather.

2. His directions are not very much like the original.
3. That painting is not unlike one I saw in New York.

6-Adverb Phrases as Adjunct Adverbials

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The sixth grammatical function that adverbs perform is the adjunct adverbial. An adjunct
adverbial is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies or describes an entire clause by providing
additional information about time, place, manner, condition, purpose, reason, result, and
concession. For example, the following italicized adverbs and adverb phrases function as
adjunct adverbials:

1. Stubbornly, the little girl refused to eat her vegetables at dinner.

2. Eagerly, my baby brother told me what he wanted for Christmas.
3. James answered my call immediately.
4. Quietly, the thief snuck into the vacant building.

7-Adverb Phrases as Disjunct Adverbials

The seventh grammatical function that adverbs perform is the disjunct adverbial. A disjunct
adverbial is word or phrase that provides additional information to frame an entire clause. A
disjunct adverbial denotes the attitude of the speaker toward or judgment of the proposition
such as truthfulness of manner of speaking. For example, the following italicized adverbs and
adverb phrases function as disjunct adverbials:

1. Truthfully, adverbs are not one of my favorite grammatical forms.

2. Surprisingly, none of the children failed the test.
3. Honestly, I have no idea.
4. Clearly, the mail did not come today due to it being a national holiday.

8-Adverb Phrases as Conjunct Adverbials

The eighth grammatical function that adverbs perform is the conjunct adverbial. A conjunct
adverbial is a word or phrase that expresses a textual relationship. A conjunct adverbial serves
to link two or more clauses. For example, the following italicized adverbs and adverb phrases
function as conjunct adverbials:

1. First, wash your hands.

2. Noun phrases and prepositional phrases, however, can also function as adverbials.
3. Do you like to write about grammar too?
4. Nevertheless, students must turn in all assignments before the next class.

The eight functions of adverbs and adverb phrases are adverb phrase head, adjective phrase
modifier, adverb phrase modifier, verb phrase modifier, prepositional phrase modifier, adjunct
adverbial, disjunct adverbial, and conjunct adverbial.

The Grammatical Functions of Finite Clauses in English

Grammar

Adjective clauses Nominal Clauses Adverb Clauses

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 The Functions of Nominal Clauses ( noun
clauses)

Nominal clauses are defined as subordinate clauses formed by a subordinating conjunction

followed by a clause. The subordinating conjunctions in English that introduce noun clauses
are that, if, whether, wh- words, and wh-ever words. For example, the following italicized
clauses are examples of noun clauses:

 The library will send a bill to whoever damaged this book.

 Whether you will pay for the damage is not even a question.
 The judge has given that you behaved well after your arrest some consideration.

Nominal clauses perform nominal functions. The nine main functions of nominal clauses in
English grammar are:

 Subject
 Subject complement
 Direct object
 Object complement
 Indirect object
 Prepositional complement
 Noun phrase complement
 Adjective phrase complement
 Appositive

The following sections define and exemplify the nine grammatical functions performed by
nominal clauses in the English language.

1-Subject

The first grammatical function that nominal clauses perform is the subject. A subject is a
word, phrase, or clause that performs the action of or acts upon the verb. For example, the
following italicized nominal clauses function as subjects:

1. Whoever ate my lunch is in big trouble.

2. How you will finish all your homework on time is beyond me.
3. That the museum cancelled the lecture disappoints me.
4. What I am telling you is very interesting.
5. How the book will sell is the question.
6. Wherever we decide to go is fine with me.
7. That we need more equipment is obvious.

2-Subject complement

The second grammatical function that nominal clauses perform is the subject complement. A
subject complement is a word, phrase, or clause that follows a copular, or linking, verb and
describes the subject of a clause. For example, the following italicized nominal clauses
function as subject complements:

1. The truth was that the moving company lost all your furniture.
2. My question is whether you will sue the company for losses.
3. The first place winner will be whoever swims the farthest in an hour.
4. The rumor is that things will improve.
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 5. The answer is whatever you like.

3-Direct object

The third grammatical function that nominal clauses perform is the direct object. A direct
object is a word, phrase, or clause that follows a transitive verb and answers the question
“who?” or “what?” receives the action of the verb. For example, the following italicized
nominal clauses function as direct objects:

1. The counselor has been wondering if she chose the right career.
2. Our dog eats whatever we put in his bowl.
3. I can imagine what made him do it.
4. I knew that he was wrong.
5. I want to see what is available before I make a purchase.
6. Some people believe in whatever you say.

4-Object Complement

The fourth grammatical function that nominal clauses perform is the object complement.
Object complements are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that directly follow and
modify the direct object. For example, the following italicized nominal clauses function as
object complements:

1. Her grandfather considers his biggest mistake that he did not finish college.
2. The committee has announced the winner whoever wrote the essay on noun clauses.
3. You may call your husband whatever you wish.
4. I declare the problem that you do not want to learn about grammar 3.
5. The teacher has announced the winner whoever wrote the essay on nominal clauses.

5-Indirect Object

The fifth grammatical function that nominal clauses perform is the indirect object. An indirect
object is word, phrase, or clause that indicates to or for whom or what the action of a
ditransitive verb is performed. For example, the following italicized nominal clauses function
as indirect objects:

1. The judge will give what you said some deliberation during his decision.
2. The group has given that most Americans do not support their cause little
consideration.
3. My parents gave that my brother wants his own car much thought.
4. I will give whatever you propose my full support.
5. Just give whomever you hire 5000DH, as we agreed.

6-Prepositional Complement

The sixth grammatical function that nominal clauses perform is the prepositional complement.
A prepositional complement is a word, phrase, or clause that directly follows a preposition
and completes the meaning of the prepositional phrase. For example, the following italicized
nominal clauses function as prepositional complements:

1. I have been waiting for whoever will pick me up from the party.
2. My husband did not think about that I wanted some nice jewelry for my birthday.
3. This is the man to whom I owe my life.
4. They were angry because of what they found out.

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7-Noun Phrase Complement

The seventh grammatical function that nominal clauses perform is the noun phrase
complement. A noun phrase complement is a phrase or clause that completes the meaning of a
noun phrase. For example, the following italicized noun clauses function as noun phrase
complements:

1. The claim that the earth is flat was once considered true.
2. My problem is the fact that you are never on time for work.
3. Our hope that peace will be achieved is possible.
4. The supposition that men are smarter than women is untrue.

8-Adjective Phrase Complement

The eighth grammatical function that nominal clauses perform is the adjective phrase
complement. An adjective phrase complement is a phrase or clause that completes the
meaning of an adjective phrase. For example, the following italicized nominal clauses
function as adjective phrase complements:

1. I am pleased that you are studying nominal clauses.

2. The teacher was surprised that all the students validated grammar 3.
3. My brother is angry that someone dented his new car.
4. I am sad that my best friend is sick again.

Note that only finite that-nominal clauses can function as adjective phrase complements.

9-Appositives

The ninth grammatical function that noun clauses perform is the appositive. An appositive is a
word, phrase, or clause that modifies or explains another noun phrase. For example, the
following italicized noun clauses function as appositives:

1. That man, whoever he is, tried to steal some library books.

2. The problem, that the storm knocked out power, is affecting the entire town.
3. Your question, whether you should wear the blue dress or pink one, is frivolous in
the situation.

The nine grammatical functions of nominal clauses in English grammar are subject, subject
complement, direct object, object complement, indirect object, prepositional complement,
noun phrase complement, adjective phrase complement, and appositive.

The Functions of Relative Adjective Clauses

(restrictive/non restrictive clauses)

Check this : https://www.grammarwiz.com/phrases-and-clauses.html

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Adjective clauses are defined as subordinate clauses formed by a relative pronoun followed
by a clause. The relative pronouns in English that introduce adjective clauses are who, whom,
that, which, whose, when, and where. For example, the following italicized clauses are
examples of adjective clauses:

1. The woman that works in the bakery is my neighbor.

2. The car you hit belongs to the man whose daughter is my classmate.
3. The restaurant where you left your purse is known for its unique pasta dishes.

The primary grammatical function of adjective clauses is noun phrase modifier. Noun phrase
modifiers are defined as words, phrases, and clauses that describe or modify a noun phrase.
Adjective clauses are also referred to as relative clauses. The relative pronouns that
introduce adjective clauses are also called subordinating conjunctions.

Adjective clauses are dependent clauses that consists of a relative pronoun followed by a
clause and that perform adjectival functions. Adjective clauses perform four grammatical
functions within sentences in the English language. The four functions of adjective clauses
are:

 Noun phrase modifier

 Verb phrase modifier
 Prepositional phrase modifier
 Noun clause modifier

Some grammar books use the term relative clause for adjective clauses. The following
sections explain and exemplify the four grammatical functions of adjective clauses in English
grammar.

1-Adjective Clauses as Noun Phrase Modifiers

The first grammatical function that adjective clauses perform is the noun phrase modifier. A
noun phrase modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies or describes a noun including
a pronoun or a noun phrase. For example, the following italicized adjective clauses function
as noun phrase modifiers:

1. The map that you sent me last week seems outdated.

2. The cookies, which I promptly devoured, reminded me of home.
3. My aunt is the woman to whom you should have emailed the instructions.
4. The book that you ordered arrived this morning.
5. The man who is sitting there is my boss.
6. The man whose jacket is black is dangerous.

Adjective clauses most frequently function as noun phrase modifiers.

2-Adjective Clauses as Verb Phrase Modifiers

The second grammatical function that adjective clauses perform is the verb phrase modifier.
A verb phrase modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies or describes a verb phrase.
Adjective clauses modify only verb phrases in the form of present participles performing
nominal functions. Only which-adjective clauses function as verb phrase modifiers. For
example, the following italicized adjective clauses function as verb phrase modifiers:

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 1. Reading, which is one of my favorite past times, keeps the mind sharp.
2. Washing the windows, which still needs the cleaning, occurs every Wednesday
morning.
3. I enjoy writing about language, which I do almost every single day.
4. Hunting tigers, which many people still consider sport, should be outlawed
internationally.
5. The easiest part about learning grammar 3, which I thoroughly enjoy, is identifying
the underlined words/phrases.

3-Adjective Clauses as Prepositional Phrase Modifiers

The third grammatical function that adjective clauses perform is the prepositional phrase
modifier. A prepositional phrase modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies or
describes a prepositional phrase. Adjective clauses modify only prepositional phrases
performing nominal functions. Only which adjective clauses function as prepositional
phrase modifiers. For example, the following italicized adjective clauses function as
prepositional phrase modifiers:

1. Behind the machine shed, which is overgrown with weeds, needs mowed.
2. Between seven and nine, which is a reasonable time frame, is when employees must
arrive.
3. In the closet, which is quite dark, is rather scary.
4. You must clean under the bed, which is covered with dust bunnies.
5. His brother is painting along the ceiling, which is ragged and uneven.

4-Adjective Clauses as Noun Clause Modifiers

The fourth grammatical function that adjective clauses perform is the noun clause modifier. A
noun clause modifier is a word, phrase, or clause that modifies or describes a noun clause.
Only which adjective clauses function as noun clause modifiers. For example, the following
italicized adjective clauses function as noun clause modifiers:

1. That the museum cancelled the lecture, which is quite surprising, disappoints me.
2. That she worked hard for the whole term, which still amazes me, pleased her parents.
3. How the clouds drifted on that July afternoon, which still makes me smile, may never
happen again.

The four grammatical functions of adjective clauses in English grammar are noun phrase
modifier, verb phrase modifier, prepositional phrase modifier, and noun clause modifier.

The Functions of Adverb Clauses

Adverb clauses are defined as subordinate clauses formed by a subordinating conjunction

followed by a clause. Some of the more common subordinating conjunctions in English that

introduce adverb clauses include:

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 after, although, because, before, even though, if , once, since, so that, though,
unless, until, when, whereas, while, although

For example, the following italicized clauses are examples of adverb clauses:

1. After she gave the baby a bath, she decided to take a nap.
2. I could not go to school because I was taken ill suddenly.
3. The couple has been saving money so that they can go on a vacation.
4. When she gets here, all will be explained.
5. While you were napping, I was studying.
6. My grandma scrubbed the tub until her arms ached.
7. Two students will fail the class if they do not pass the final exam.

Adverb clauses are dependent clauses that perform the grammatical function of adjunct

adverbial in English grammar. Adjunct adverbials are words, phrases, and clauses that

modify or describe an entire clause by providing additional information about time, place,

manner, condition, purpose, reason, result, and concession.

Summary

Clauses are grammatical structures that contain a subject and a predicate and are the smallest
grammatical unit that can express a complete proposition.

Noun clauses perform nine functions: subject, subject complement, direct object, object
complement, indirect object, prepositional complement, noun phrase complement, adjective phrase
complement, and appositive.

Adjective clauses primarily perform the function of noun phrase modifier but can also function as
verb phrase modifiers, prepositional phrase modifiers, and noun clause modifiers.

Adverbs perform the function of adverbial.

References:

Huddleston, Rodney. 1984. Introduction to the grammar of English. Cambridge: Cambridge

University Press.

Burton-Roberts, N. (1997) Analysing sentences, Second edition, London: Longman

Greenbaum, S. (1996) The Oxford English grammar, Oxford: Oxford University

Press.

Hurford, J. (1994) Grammar: a student's guide. Cambridge: Cambridge University

Press.

Leech, G. (1989) An A-Z of English grammar and usage. London: Edward Arnold

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Aarts, F. and Aarts, J. (1982) English syntactic structures: functions and categories
in sentence analysis, Oxford: Pergamon Press

https://www.grammarwiz.com/8-parts-of-speech.html

https://www.grammar-quizzes.com/nounphrase.html

List of abbreviations:

Noun phrase= NP Subject= S Object complement =OC

Verb phrase= VP Subject complement= SC Verb complement = VC

Adjective phrase=AdjP Finite Clause = FC Direct object = od

Adverb phrase= AdvP Non-finite clause= NFC Indirect object =O i

Prepositional phrase=PP Determiner = Det clause= C

PRACTICE:

Give the category(=identity) and function of the underlined

words/phrases
Example: my friend is happy.
Category Function
C: adjective phrase (Adjp)
1- definite article 1- modifier/determiner
F: subject complement (SC)

Exercise 1:

Give the category and function of the underlined words/phrases :

25
(1)The bushes twitched again. Lock steadied (2) by the tree and gazed. (3)A head and a

chest faced him, (4) half-hidden. There were white bone things (5) behind the leaves and

hair. The man had white bone things (6) above his eyes and under the mouth so that his face

was longer than (7) a face would be. The man turned (8) sideways in the bushes and looked at

Lock (9) along his shoulder. A stick rose upright and (10) there was a lump of bone in the

middle. Lock peered at the stick and the lump (11) of bone and the (12) small eyes in the

bone things (13) over the face. Suddenly Lock understood (14) that the man was holding

the stick out to him but neither he nor Lock could reach (15) across the river. He (16) would

have laughed if it were not for the echo (17) of the screaming in (18) his head.

We had (1) an interesting discussion last night about (2) travel and safety. Miss Fulton, (3)

who is a quiet timid soul, said (4) that she was too much (5) afraid of airplanes to trust (6)

herself in one. Tom asked (7) whether she did not travel a great deal each year. He said

that (8) it seemed to him that she went thousands of miles (9) each winter and summer. She

acknowledged (10) that he was right, but insisted that (11) her car and the trains were

much safer. She said that (12) when she falls she wants to see (13) where and when she is

going to die. Dad laughed at (14) that and told her that (15) there were (16) plenty of

people, (17) in car and train accidents, who did not choose (18) the places (19) that they

were going to hit.

(1) Two (2) disconnected ideas require (3) two separate sentences or paragraphs. We

must learn (4) to think before we write, and not merely as we write. (5) There can be (6) no

fixed rule for (7) the length of a sentence or a paragraph. It is (8) obvious that the longer

our sentences are, the more danger there is of their becoming difficult to understand. (9) On

the other hand, if we (10) always aimed at only a succession (11) of very short sentences

or paragraphs, we (12) would attain only(13) monotony. We should, (14) therefore, aim

at a suitable length avoiding excesses (14) in either direction.

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(1) For the first eight years of my school career, I went to a little country school. (2) There

was in it the usual (3) overgrown bully who made life (4) miserable for everyone (5)

younger or weaker than himself. It remained for (6) all the little girls to find a way to cure (7)

him. One evening on (8) our way home, as we reached the bank (9) of a little stream, he

began threatening (10) to duck the smallest boy. The little girls screamed at him (11) to

stop, but the bully only laughed. All at once, they were (12) upon him in a huddled mass; and

down he went, with ten (13) screaming frantic girls pulling and snatching (14) wildly at him.

(15) Around his arms went a rope that had been concealed in some feminine (16) little (17)

lunch basket. To the accompaniment of (18) tearful shrieks and blows of (19) tiny fists, they

also bound (20) his feet.

(1) The opposition of nature and convention was (2) a commonplace of Greek

philosophical speculation. In the discussion of language, the distinction (3) of nature and

convention was made to turn primarily upon the question whether (4) there was (5) any (6)

necessary connection (7) between the meaning of a word and its form.

Good luck,

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