The Analysis of Verbless Sentences

Yasir Hameed Ayidh Alotaibi

doi:10.5539/ijel.v9n6p226

Abstract

This paper aims to discuss the analysis of verbless sentences in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) within the Lexical Functional Grammar (LFG) framework. It discusses the previous analyses in transformational grammar and shows some problems in these analyses, arguing that LFG is more flexible and able to analyze this kind of sentences with fewer problems. This paper argues that verbless sentences in MSA should be divided into two types: the first is when the second part of a verbless sentence is an adjective, and in this type, we argue that the adjective should be analyzed as a predicate within the single-tier analysis. The second type is verbless sentences that contain a nonadjectival complement, and this type is analyzed as containing a null copula within the double-tier analysis.

Highlights

In Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), there are two types of sentences: verbal sentences and nominal sentences
This paper aims to discuss the analysis of verbless sentences in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) within the Lexical Functional Grammar (LFG) framework
We have shown the flexibility of LFG by the single-tier and double-tier analysis and suggested that both analyses should be used in the analysis of verbless sentences in MSA

Summary

Introduction

In Modern Standard Arabic (MSA), there are two types of sentences: verbal sentences and nominal sentences. All the examples that illustrate verbless sentences in (3) can occur with a verbal copula, denoting the present tense, which is yakun In this case, the subject will keep its nominative case, but the predicate will be in the accusative case. 3. The Analysis in Transformational Grammar This section discusses three analyses for verbless sentences in Arabic and other languages within transformational theories: the small clause, the null copula and the empty T approach. The coordination test shows that verbless sentences are not small clauses because they can be coordinated with full verbal sentences, as shown in (13a), and the predicate in verbless sentences can be coordinated with a lexical verb, as shown in (13b): It is clear from the previous discussion that verbless sentences are not small clauses and that they are finite clauses containing a present tense interpretation.

The Null Copula Approach

An Overview of LFG

Conclusion