Semantic Consideration of

Clause Elements
 Semantic Functions of Direct Object (Od)
1- Affective Od : The typical function of Od
which its participant ( animate or inanimate) is
directly involved in the happening caused by S
in some other way .
Ex: -Many MPs criticized the Prime Minister.
- Use your brains.
- We laid him on the sofa.
2-Locative Od: This comes with verbs like:
jump, turn, reach, surround, penetrate, mount,
cross, climb.
Ex:-The horse jumped (over) the fence.

3- Effected Od : It refers to something which

exists only by virtue of the activity indicted by
the V.
Ex: - Baird invented Television.
- I am writing a letter.
 Miner types of Effected Od functions.
a- Cognate Od , that repeats partially or wholly the
meaning of the V.
Ex:- He sings a song .

b- Od consists of phrases of extent or measure.( the

clause has no passive and can be analyzed into
SVA).
Ex: - He ran a mile .
- It costs ten dollars .
- It weights almost a ton. ( what does it weigh?
Or How much does it weigh? )
C- Od takes the form of a verbal noun phrase
preceded by common V (do, make, give, have,
take, etc.) of general meaning.
Ex: - He did little work that day.
( = He worked little that day.)
- He made several attempts to contact me.
- The prisoner made no comment.
- He is having a bath/ a smoke.( agentive S)
- He took a rest/ a dislike to her/ a dive in the
water. ( agentive S because of the V)
- He gave a jump/ a yell . (affected S)
 Semantic Functions of Indirect Object (Oi)
1- Recipient Oi: It should be an animate
participant which is passively implicated by
the happening or state.

Ex: - He got/ gave his sister a splendid present.

- I’ve found you a place.
- Jean gives the dog some food.
b. Affected Oi : This role occurs when the V
give or sometimes related Vs like pay, owe)
has an effected Od .
Ex:- I gave the door a couple of kicks.
(= I kicked the door a couple times.)

- John paid us a visit.

( = John visited us.)
 Q1) State the correct clause and explain why.

1. a- The baby (affected S) had a bath (effected Od) .

b- The baby took (take requires agentive S) a bath.

2. a- I’ve found Mrs. Jones a place.

b- I’ve found a place for Mrs. Jones (SVOA).

3. a- I have found a place for the magnolia tree.

b- I have found the magnolia tree a place.
 Semantic Functions of Complement (C)

1- Subject Complement (Cs): its function is

attribute of the S. It takes two types :
a- current attribute with stative Vs
Ex: - He’s my brother.
- He seems happy.

b- resulting attribute with dynamic Vs

Ex: - He becomes restless.
- He turned a traitor.
1- Object Complement (Co): its function is
attribute of the O. It takes two types :
a- current attribute
Ex: - I ate the meat cold.
- I prefer coffee black.

b- resulting attribute
Ex: - They elected him a president.
- He painted the well blue.