Understanding Grammatical Relations

Question

I am currently reading up on grammatical relations and functions for an upcomming exam i have and would appreciate some help with the following example.

i) After that, Goldilocks gave the little bear some porridge.

ii) The little bear was given some porridge by Goldilocks.

I want to know the subject in each case. I'm reasonably sure that i) is Golidilocks, however confusing myself with ii). It is the little bear, no? Also am i correct in understanding After that to be an Adjunct?

Thanks for any help.

Philip · Accepted Answer

i) Goldilocks is the subject of the sentence in the active voice. [subject does action]

ii) Bear is the subject of the sentence in the passive voice. [subject receives action]

Clive · Answer

Hi,

I am currently reading up on grammatical relations and functions for an upcomming exam i have and would appreciate some help with the following example.

i) After that, Goldilocks gave the little bear some porridge.

ii) The little bear was given some porridge by Goldilocks.

I want to know the subject in each case. I'm reasonably sure that i) is Golidilocks, Yes

however confusing myself with ii). It is the little bear, no? Yes

Also am i correct in understanding After that to be an Adjunct? Sounds good to me, although it's not a term I'm familiar with. I'd say it's a sequencing expression.

In an active sentence, think of it as "the subject peforms the action"

eg Tom hit Mary.

In a passive sentence, think of it as "the subject receives the action',

eg Tom ws hit (by Mary).

Clive

Anonymous · Answer

Thanks you both very much, your stars! Couldn't find it in my textbook!

Understanding Grammatical Relations

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions