| Lemma | finite element |
|---|---|
| Categoria grammaticale | N |
| Lingua | inglese |
| Sigla | Halliday (1985) |
| Titolo | An Introduction to Functional Grammar |
| Sinonimi | |
| Rinvii | mood (inglese) |
| Traduzioni | |
| Citazioni | […] the MOOD […] consists of two parts: (1) the Subject, which is a nominal group, and (2) the Finite element, which is part of a verbal group. The Finite element is one of a small number of verbal operators expressing tense (e.g. 'is', 'has') or modality (e.g. 'can', 'must') [...] Note, however, that in some instances the Finite element and the lexical verb are ʻfusedʼ into a single word, e.g. 'loves'. This happens when the verb is in simple past or simple present (tense), active (voice), positive (polarity) and neutral (contrast): we say 'gave', not 'did gave'; 'give(s)' not 'do(es) give'. Subject and Finite are closely linked together, and combine to form one constituent which we call the Mood. Typically, in English, polarity is expressed in the Finite element; each Finite verbal operator has two forms, one positive 'is', 'was', 'has', 'can', etc., the other negative 'isn’t', 'wasn’t', 'hasn’t', 'can’t' (or 'is not', 'cannot' . . .) etc. [...] this is the reason why the Finite element is thematic in a yes/no interrogative clause: such a clause is precisely a request for information regarding polarity. The Finite element is inherently either positive or negative; its polarity does not figure as a separate constituent. It is true that the negative is realized as a distinct morpheme 'n’t' or 'not'; but this is an element in the structure of the verbal group, not in the structure of the clause. |