Grammar in EAP

Clauses, Simple Sentences & Clause Complexes

Elements of the clause

A clause – or a simple sentence – consists of two elements.

All finite clauses require a subject and a predicate. The predicate consists of several other elements, some are essential and some are optional. The description of the structure of the clause uses four main elements: subject (S), predicator (P), complement (C) and adjunct (A).

For example:

Subject

Subject is a functional element of clause structure. A typical structure of a clause is SPCA – subject, predicator, complement, adjunct. Subject is typically realised by a nominal group, but may not be. For example, in the sentence: “Having to rewrite his dissertation was time-consuming,” the subject is an -ing clause.

Predicate

All finite clauses require a subject and a predicate. The predicate consists of a predicator and several other elements, some are essential and some are optional. The description of the structure of the clause uses four main elements: subject (S), predicator (P), complement (C) and adjunct (A).

Predicator

Predicator is a functional element of clause structure. A typical structure of a clause is SPCA – subject, predicator, complement, adjunct. Predicator is typically realised by a verbal group.

Complement

Complement is a functional element of clause structure. A typical structure of a clause is SPCA – subject, predicator, complement, adjunct. Complement is typically realised by a nominal group. The main types of complement are direct object, indirect object, subject complement and object complement.

Adjunct

Adjunct is a functional element of clause structure. A typical structure of a clause is SPCA – subject, predicator, complement, adjunct.Adjunct is typically realised by an adverbial group. Adjuncts provide optional information and types of adjunct include circumstantial adjunct, stance (or modal) adjunct, and connective (or conjunctive) adjunct.

See: Grammar: Simple Clauses

Subordination & Coordination

A simple sentence consists basically of one independent clause. For example:

“The idea of a National Government had implanted itself in the mind of the King.”

Clauses can be combined to form clause complexes. There are two main ways in which clauses can be combined.

Combining Clauses

Clauses can also combine to form complex or compound sentences.

Combining Clauses: Grammar: Clause Complexes

Realisation of Clause Elements

These elements of clause structure are realised by various word, groups or clauses. In English there is no one-to-one correspondence between class of unit (noun, verb, nominal group, finite clause, …) and syntactic function (subject, predicator,  complement, adjunct). See: Grammar: Realisation of Clause Elements