0
Hela Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Form and function of "by far"

Dear teachers,

How should I analyse "They are by far the best"? The pattern of the sentence is SVC or SV(A)C? Should it have 3 elements or 4? i.e.

They + are + by far the best OR They + are + by far + the best?

by far the best:

Parts of speech:

by= preposition
far = adverb
the = article / determiner
best = superlative adjective

Form 1: "by far the best" = prepositional phrase or adjective phrase?

Function 1: "by far the best" = complement ?
(Can a prepositional phrase function as a complement, i.e., a predicate adjective?)

or

Form + Function 2: by far = prepositional phrase = optional adverbial / the best = adjective phrase = complement ?

Thank you for your help.
  

Top answer

I think a case can be made for both interpretations. Hela Form 1: "by far the best" = prepositional phrase or adjective phrase? Phrasal predicate adjective.

— Mister Micawber

  • I think a case can be made for both interpretations.
  • Hela Form 1: "by far the best" = prepositional phrase or adjective phrase?
  • Phrasal predicate adjective.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

1 Answers
0
I think a case can be made for both interpretations.
HelaForm 1: "by far the best" = prepositional phrase or adjective phrase?
Phrasal predicate adjective.
0

Related Questions