GRAMMATICAL FUNCTION
Introduction.
We have seen that in a given clause the verb can be regarded as the head,
controlling the other major phrases. Two sets of concepts bear on the relationship
between the verb in a clause and its complements; one is the set of grammatical
functions or grammatical relations, that is, subject, direct object, indirect
object/second object and oblique object, and the other is the set of roles such as
Agent and Patient. The first three terms used to be familiar to anyone who studied
any of the foreign languages normally offered in British schools – French,
German, Spanish, Latin, Russian. They are in constant use in grammars of
languages from every part of the world and have been deployed for centuries in
the study of European languages, yet it turns out to be far from straightforward to
define the concepts, and it has yet to be determined whether they apply to
languages which differ greatly from English in their grammar.
2.1 Grammatical Function
Grammatical function is the role played by a word, phrase, or clause in a sentence
structure. This function explains how each element in a sentence relates to one
another and supports the conveyance of meaning.
For example, in the sentence “Lisa gave me a book,” the word “Lisa” functions as
the subject, “gave” as the predicate, ‘me’ as the indirect object, and “a book” as
the direct object.
In syntax, grammatical function is important for understanding the basic structure
of a sentence and the relationships between elements such as the subject,
predicate, object, and complement.
2.2 Grammatical Functions Categories
2.3 Core Syntactic Functions
This category includes the core functions in a sentence, which consist of the
subject, predicate, direct object, indirect object, and complement. These five
functions form the foundation of a sentence's basic structure.
The subject is the main actor or topic in a sentence.
Example: Lisa is reading.
The word “Lisa” functions as the subject because it is the actor of the
action “is reading.”
The predicate is the part that describes what the subject is doing.
Example: Lisa is reading.
The phrase “is reading” is the predicate because it describes the action
performed by Lisa.
The direct object is the direct recipient of the action or act in the sentence.
Example: He kicked the ball.
“The ball” is the direct object because it is the object that is kicked.
The indirect object is the indirect recipient of the action in the sentence.
Example: She gave me a gift.
“Me” is the indirect object because it receives the gift, not the main object
of the verb “gave.”
A complement serves to complete the meaning of the subject or object.
Example: He is a teacher.
“A teacher” is the subject complement because it provides additional
information about the subject “he.”
Another example: They made her captain.
“Captain” is the object complement because it describes the result of the
action on “her.”
2.4 Prepositional Phrase Functions
Prepositional phrases also have important functions in sentences. These functions
are related to the position of the word after the preposition and how the
prepositional phrase describes the noun.
The object of a preposition is the word/phrase that appears after the
preposition.
Example: He sat on the chair.
“The chair” is the object of the preposition “on.”
Prepositional Complement serves to complete the meaning of the
preposition.
Example: She depends on her family.
“Her family” is necessary to complete the meaning of “depends on.”
Pre-/Post-modifier is a word or phrase that describes the noun before or
after it.
Example: The book on the table is mine.
“On the table” is a post-modifier that describes the location of “the book.”
2.5 Referent & Replacement Functions
These functions involve words that replace or refer to other elements in a
sentence, such as pronouns and expletives.
Pro-forms are substitutes for nouns, verbs, adverbs, or even entire
sentences.
Example: He said he would leave, and he did.
The word “did” here replaces the phrase “would leave.”
An antecedent is a word/phrase referred to by a pronoun.
Example: Sarah lost her bag. She was sad.
“Sarah” is the antecedent of the pronoun “she.”
An expletive is an “empty” or dummy subject used for sentence structure
purposes.
Example: It is raining. / There is a cat.
“It” and “there” do not refer to anything in particular, but are required
grammatically.
2.6 Appositional & Vocative Functions
This category includes functions that describe other nouns or are used in direct
forms of address.
An appositive is a word or phrase that provides additional information about
another noun.
Example: My friend, a doctor, is here.
“A doctor” describes “my friend.”
A vocative is a word used to address or call someone directly.
Example: Sir, may I ask something?
“Sir” is used to directly address the person being spoken to.
Honorifics/Titles are titles or respectful forms of address.
Example: Dr. Smith is here.
“Dr.” is an honorific that indicates status or profession.
2.7 Discourse & Thematic Functions
These functions help to organize sentences in a broader context and highlight
important information.
Topic & Comment indicate the topic of the sentence and the comment.
Example: As for the exam, it was easy.
“As for the exam” is the topic, and “it was easy” is the comment.
Focus & Emphasis are used to emphasize important parts of a sentence.
Example: It was John who said that.
The emphasis is on “John” as the person referred to.
Conclusion
Grammatical function is how we understand the role of each word in a sentence
who is the subject, what is being done, who is affected by the action, and
additional information.
These functions are divided into several categories, ranging from subjects and
objects to modifiers, pronouns, address, and emphasis in a sentence.
By understanding these functions, we can create sentences that are clearer, well-
structured, and pleasant to read or hear, especially when writing or speaking in
English.
