Identifying Grammatical Functions Flashcards

In 'The proposal seemed reasonable to the committee,' what function does 'reasonable' serve?

Answer: Predicate adjective after linking verb 'seemed'

'Reasonable' follows the linking verb 'seemed' and describes the subject 'proposal,' functioning as a predicate adjective.

What function does 'in the morning' serve in 'She prefers coffee in the morning'?

Answer: Adverbial prepositional phrase modifying 'prefers'

'In the morning' is a prepositional phrase functioning as an adverb, telling when she prefers coffee.

In the sentence 'What he said shocked everyone,' what is the grammatical function of 'What he said'?

Answer: Noun clause functioning as subject

'What he said' is a noun clause that functions as the subject of the main verb 'shocked.'

Which sentence contains an appositive phrase?

Answer: My sister, a talented pianist, performed tonight.

'A talented pianist' is an appositive phrase that renames and further identifies 'My sister.'

In 'The decision to postpone the meeting angered the staff,' what function does 'to postpone the meeting' serve?

Answer: Infinitive phrase modifying 'decision'

The infinitive phrase 'to postpone the meeting' functions as an adjective modifying the noun 'decision.'

What is the function of 'them' in 'The coach made them run extra laps'?

Answer: Direct object of 'made'

'Them' is the direct object of 'made,' while 'run extra laps' is the object complement (bare infinitive phrase).

In 'Although tired, she completed the marathon,' what function does 'Although tired' serve?

Answer: Elliptical adverb clause of concession

'Although tired' is an elliptical adverbial clause (with 'she was' omitted) that expresses concession.