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Simple Statement Parts

 

 

Quantifier

Subject or
Subject Term

Copula

Predicate or
Predicate Term
Definitions Optional word stating quantity of the subject involved. A noun or noun phrase naming or describing something that is going to be declared to have attribute. Any state of being verb. A noun or noun phrase describing an attribute which the subject is said to possess.

Sample contents

All
Some
No
(Only these three and blank are allowed.)

Any noun, noun phrase or clause.

is, are
is not, are not
was, were
was not, were not
will be
will not be
and others.

Any noun, noun phrase or clause.

Examples

A

All

cows
cows

are
are

grass eaters
grass eaters

E

No

cats
cats

are
are not

loyal
loyal

I

Some

dogs

are

gentle

O

Some

dogs

are not

gentle

NB: If no quantifier is present "all" is assumed.

Predicates should be negated by prefixing "non-" to the noun. Do not confuse this with a negative copula. A negative copula negates the subject and therefore is the same a using "no" for a quantifier. "No cows are carnivores" is the same as "All cows are not carnivores." It is generally preferable to always state a quantifier and not use a negative in the copula. This helps prevent errors due to missing the negatives or ascribing the a negative to the predicate.

 

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