English clause element


English clause elements are the minimum set of units needed to describe the linear structure of a clause.
Traditionally, they are partly identified by terms such as subject and object. Their distribution in a clause is partly indicated by traditional terms defining verbs as transitive or intransitive.
Modern English reference grammars are in broad agreement as to a full inventory, but are not unanimous in their terminology or their classification. Clause elements may be identified by unique terms. However, they may be identified by more general terms and further classified according to the type of verb.

Comprehensive grammar of the English language

recognises seven types of clause structure and seven positions where elements may be identified.
The elements of the clause structures are labelled with these terms and abbreviations:
The grammar further differentiates Object and Complement into:
These patterns are correspond to a classification of the verb:
The example sentences contain only obligatory clause elements. The same seven patterns are recognised for longer sentence with added optional adverbials.

The Longman grammar of spoken and written English

recognises the seven patterns as above, but using partly different terms and abbreviations:
In addition, it recognises a clause type with a different verb type: a Prepositional verb.
The grammar recognises rely on as a prepositional verb, followed by a
It also recognises two further types of adverbial in sentences such as
In 9, to put it mildly is loosely attached to the clause It would be unfortunate. It expresses the attitude of the speaker/writer. This grammar uses the term and abbreviation
In 10, nevertheless functions as a connection between the clause and a preceding clause. This grammar uses the term and abbreviation
Thus the grammar recognises the patterns:
In clauses of types a-h the order of elements is normally fixed. However, stance adverbials and linking adverbials are more mobile. For example,

Cambridge grammar

recognises a basic distinction between predicator, complement and adjunct.
At this basic level, it recognises the elements numbered above with the following terms and abbreviations:
The term Adjunct is reserved for elements which are not obligatory.
This produces the analyses:
At a more detailed level, the grammar distinguishes the complements between subject and predicative complement
Predicative complements are distinguished according to the verb type. This produces the following analyses:
Verb typeExample clause
Intransitivea.Someone was laughing .
Transitiveb.My mother enjoys parties .
Complex-Intransitivec.The country became totally independent .
Complex-Intransitived.I have been in the garden .
Ditransitivee.Mary gave the visitor a glass of milk .
Complex-Transitivef.Most people consider these books rather expensive .
Complex-Transitiveg.You must put all the toys upstairs .