Lesson 2 / Handout 2b


Semantic roles of clause elements

Match all the items from 4 groups below appropriately:


SUBJECT     DIRECT OBJECT      INDIRECT OBJECT                SUBJECT or OBJECT COMPLEMENT



affected participant   agentive participant     attribute: a) identification
recipient participant

                                                                                      b)
characterization

                                                                                      c) current
attribute

                                                                                       d) resulting
attribute


1.   animate or inanimate, not causing the happening but directly involved in the action

2.   with verbs used statively

3.   animate being, passively involved by the happening or state

4.   with verbs used dynamically

5.   the animate participant that causes the happening denoted by the verb



a)   We’ve sold our house.

b)   John is cleaning the windows.

c)   She is a doctor. They named their son James.  X   She is a good doctor. I find her clever.

d)   I bought him a book.

e)   She is my sister. I consider her my best friend. X  She became a teacher. She drives me mad.