Unit 6.2
Types of simple sentences: nature of the predicate
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Introduction
The simple sentence [oración simple] is a type of sentence with only a predicate consisting of a verb and other words.
Simple sentences are divided according to the attitude of the speaker [actitud del hablante] and the nature of the predicate [naturaleza del predicado].
There are three types of simple sentences depending on the nature of the predicate: impersonal with the verb haber, copulative (or attributive), and transitive/intransitive.
Form
A simple sentence consists of a subject (its nucleus is a noun) and a predicate (its nucleus is a verb).
There are several types of simple sentences, but they always have the same structure:
Subjet + predicate + object + …
Simple sentences are divided according to two criteria: the speaker’s attitude and the nature of the predicate.
Depending on the nature of the predicate, we have different types of sentences, including impersonal and copulative sentences.
Impersonal
Simple impersonal sentences are sentences that contain the verb haber.
Copulative (o attributive)
Copulative or attributive sentences are sentences that contain a copulative verb, i.e. ser or estar followed by an attribute.
Transitive and intransitive
Simple sentences can be distinguished between:
- transitive: contain a transitive verb (requires a direct object);
- intransitive: contain an intransitive verb (does not require a direct object).
Example
Impersonal:
- Hay billetes de avión en la mesita;
- Hay teatros en la ciudad;
- Hay buenos cantantes en el bar.
Copulative:
- Ese pato es muy bonito;
- La noticia es interesante;
- Los turistas están agotados.
Transitive e intransitive:
- Vimos un monumento;
- Escribo un diario;
- El malo de la película huyó;
- Adelgacé gracias a las carreras.
Use
The different types of simple sentences according to the nature of the predicate also have other purposes:
- impersonal are used to speak in general without a specific person;
- copulative (or attributive) are used to indicate quality or state of the subject;
- transitive and intransitive they have no distinct use and are characterised only by their formal features.
Summary
The simple sentence is so-called because it is made up of a predicate, which is why it has this structure:
Subject + predicate + object + …
In Spanish, there are several types of simple sentences: enunciative, direct interrogative, impersonal, copulative, transitive and intransitive.
For example:
— «Hay una persona ahí»= impersonal sentence because it has no subject;
— «La casa es muy bonita». = copulative sentence because the verb is ser «es»;
— «Ella tiene un perro». = transitive sentence because the verb of the sentences is tener «tiene».
Check the contents of the {Form} section. Then move on to the {Example} section, which shows you the usage in context.
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