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Exp Posted 11 years ago
Is the verb "is" existential in these sentences (as in "God is." = "God exists.")?
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From Longman dictionary:
be
1 [linking verb] used to say that someone or something is the same as the subject of the sentence:
My name is Susan.
These are my favourite pictures.
He's my brother.
The problem is finding the time to get things done.
Our aim was to reduce the number of accidents.
2 [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] used to say where something or someone is:
Jane's upstairs.
Are my keys in the drawer?
The principal's in his office.
How long has she been here?
5 [there is/are] used to say that something exists or happens:
There's a hole in your trousers.
There was a loud explosion.
'I thought there was going to be a party.' 'No, there isn't.'
Is there a problem?
Vocabulary
Prepositional phrase after being verb, compliment or not?
- My car is in the garage.
- My car exists in the garage.
- There is a car in my garage.
Is the verb "is" existential in these sentences (as in "God is." = "God exists.")?
----
From Longman dictionary:
be
1 [linking verb] used to say that someone or something is the same as the subject of the sentence:
My name is Susan.
These are my favourite pictures.
He's my brother.
The problem is finding the time to get things done.
Our aim was to reduce the number of accidents.
2 [intransitive always + adverb/preposition] used to say where something or someone is:
Jane's upstairs.
Are my keys in the drawer?
The principal's in his office.
How long has she been here?
5 [there is/are] used to say that something exists or happens:
There's a hole in your trousers.
There was a loud explosion.
'I thought there was going to be a party.' 'No, there isn't.'
Is there a problem?
Top answer
Exp My car exists in the garage. This is very odd and unnatural.
- Exp My car exists in the garage.
- This is very odd and unnatural.
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9 Answers
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ExpMy car is in the garage."in the garage" shows location.
ExpMy car exists in the garage.Not used.
ExpThere is a car in my garage."in the garage" shows location, but this is called an "existential there" construction.
ExpIs the prepositional phrase "in th
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CalifJim Yes. The sentences are meaningless without "in the garage" (in the intended readings).Thanks.
CalifJim Not used.What about these then:
Many problems exist in....
Most of the problems are in....
There are many problems in....
There exist many problems in....
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ExpWhat about these then:"exist" can be used in those, if that's what you're asking.
CJ
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CalifJim"exist" can be used in those, if that's what you're asking.I want to know how one should consider the prepositional clauses that follow "exist" and "is." Are they both complementary?
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Expthe prepositionalAll you have is "in". You don't have a phrase. Lacking any further information, I'd say that the analysis is the same for those as for the first ones you gave. If your "in" phrase has a place (in my deskclausephrase that follows "exist" and "is."
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Exp... Are they both complementary?OK. That's what you mean. (I think you were still editing your question when I gave the first answer.)
Yes, I'd say so.
CJ
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The prepositional phrase "in my country" in "Many problems exist in my country." is complementary, as well as the prepositional phrase "in my country" in "Most of the problems are in my country." is. Is this correct?
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CalifJimOK. That's what you mean. (I think you were still editing your question when I gave the first answer.)Yes, I'd say so.I understand. Thanks!
Oh in that case the verb "exist" becomes a linking verb rather than an intransitive verb?
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