1. Topic 3: predicates Introduction to Semantics

2. Definition Any word which can function as the predicator of a sentence. Predicators The parts which are not referring expressions Nouns, verbs, adjectives, preposition NOT conjunctions (and, but, or, so), articles (a, the) A predicate can only have one sense in a sentence. A word may have multiple senses.

3. Semantic elements of a simple declarative sentence Referring expressions = arguments Predicator = predicate Example: Romeo loves Juliet. Arguments=Romeo, Juliet Predicate=love

4. Grammatical vs. semantic analysis Grammatical analysis SubjectVerbObject RomeolovesJuliet Semantic analysis Argument 1 PredicateArgument 2

5. Degree of a predicate The degree of a predicate is determined by the number of arguments One-place predicate Requires one argument John kicks. Two-place predicate Requires two arguments John kicks the ball.

6. How do we talk about the non- existent things? Can language be used to talk about an unreal imaginative world? Harry Potter Narnia