Predicates and Arguments

Semantic analysis of sentences into predicates and arguments

Note: Many of the sentences in this section are taken from or based on examples in Hornby, A.S. (1975) Guide to Patterns and Usage in English. Second Edition. Cornelsen & Oxford University Press.

In these exercises you are supposed to analyze a complete sentence into its predicate and the arguments of the predicate. The predicate may have 1-3 arguments. You write the predicate into the empty box labeled Predicate, together with a different variable for each argument. Then you write into the empty box of each variable position the words that make up that argument.

Sample problem and solution:

Example: They call the doctor.

Expected answer:
Predicate = x calls y
x = They
y = the doctor
z = -

Note:

• Type the words into the boxes exactly as they appear in the examples.
• Enter all predicates in the 3rd person singular present tense.
• To signal that a box is empty, enter the minus sign: -

Fill in the gaps!

Example: You surprise them.

Predicate:

x =

y =

z =

Fill in the gaps!

Example: We go to Wales.

Predicate:

x =

y =

z =

Fill in the gaps!

Example: The plane lands.

Predicate:

x =

y =

z =

Fill in the gaps!

Example: Steven meets my most favorite teacher.

Predicate:

x =

y =

z =

Fill in the gaps!

Example: She says that it would rain.

Predicate:

x =

y =

z =

Fill in the gaps!

Example: Many of his friends consider Joe somewhat arrogant.

Predicate:

x =

y =

z =

Fill in the gaps!

Example: We talk to Lilly about her behavior.

Predicate:

x =

y =

z =

Fill in the gaps!

Example: I talk to her.

Predicate:

x =

y =

z =

Fill in the gaps!

Example: We give Lilly a bike.

Predicate:

x =

y =

z =

Fill in the gaps!

Example: Someone pushes Lilly into the flowers.

Predicate:

x =

y =

z =