Topic 3: predicates

Introduction to Semantics

Definition

Any word which can function as the predicator of a sentence.

PredicatorsThe parts which are not referring expressionsNouns, verbs, adjectives, prepositionNOT conjunctions (and, but, or, so), articles (a, the)

A predicate can only have one sense in a sentence.

A word may have multiple senses.

Semantic elements of a simple declarative sentence

Referring expressions = argumentsPredicator = predicateExample:

Romeo loves Juliet.Arguments=Romeo, JulietPredicate=love

Grammatical vs. semantic analysis

Grammatical analysis

Subject Verb Object

Romeo loves Juliet

Semantic analysis

Argument 1

Predicate Argument 2

Degree of a predicate

The degree of a predicate is determined by the number of argumentsOne-place predicate

Requires one argumentJohn kicks.

Two-place predicateRequires two argumentsJohn kicks the ball.

How do we talk about the non-existent things?

Can language be used to talk about an unreal imaginative world?

Harry PotterNarnia