Unit 10.2
Vocative
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Introduction
The noun phrase (NP) [sintagma nominal] is a group of words that performs a syntactic function in the sentence and whose nucleus can be a noun, a pronoun, or a substantive phrase.
The vocative [vocativo] is one word or various words with which the speaker gets the attention of the person he/she is addressing.
Form
The vocative is used to call the person the speaker is addressing. It is usually in the form of a proper noun and is at the beginning or end of the sentence, separated from the rest of the sentence by one comma.
The vocative usually follows these formulas:
Noun + , + sentence.
Sentence + , + noun.
Example
- Sara, ¿te vienes a la playa?
- Paco, creo que te has equivocado de hotel;
- María, dile a tu madre que nos vamos de campin;
- ¿Has encontrado ya alojamiento, Javi?
- Cuéntame cómo te han ido las vacaciones, Marta.
Use
The vocative is used to call or name a person when addressing him or her.
Summary
Vocative words serve to nominate or invoke someone. In Spanish, proper nouns are usually used.
For example:
— «Feliz día del padre, papá»;
— «Luis, ¿has llamado a mi padre?».
NOTE: Vocative words are always written between commas.
Check the contents of the {Form} section. Then move on to the {Example} section, which shows you the usage in context.
Related
The vocative is a word or words with which the speaker draws the attention of the person addressed and is usually in the form of a proper noun. The vocative is an element of the noun phrase.
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