FUNÇÃO SINTÁTICA do PRONOME RELATIVO || Prof. Letícia Góes

Summary

In this class, Professor Letícia Góes teaches how to identify the syntactic functions of relative pronouns in Portuguese. She explains the role of relative pronouns in connecting main and subordinate clauses and demonstrates their various syntactic functions, including subject, direct object, indirect object, predicate, adjectival adjunct, nominal complement, adverbial adjunct, and agent of the passive. The lesson is enriched with literary examples, offering practical tips for analyzing and classifying relative pronouns in sentences. This class provides valuable insights into the structure and use of relative pronouns in Portuguese grammar.

Takeaways

• 😀 A relative pronoun begins a subordinate adjective clause, connecting two clauses in a sentence and replacing an already mentioned term.
• 😀 Common relative pronouns include 'that,' 'who,' 'whom,' 'which,' 'whose,' and 'where.'
• 😀 The relative pronoun 'that' can serve various syntactic functions, such as subject, direct object, indirect object, predicate, adjectival adjunct, nominal complement, adverbial adjunct, and passive agent.
• 😀 To identify the function of a relative pronoun, replace it with its antecedent and perform syntactic analysis.
• 😀 The relative pronoun can function as a subject, such as in the sentence 'The love that took refuge deeper underground,' where 'love' is the subject.
• 😀 When the relative pronoun acts as a direct object, it is linked to a transitive verb, as seen in the example: 'I feel this immense longing,' where 'longing' is the direct object.
• 😀 A relative pronoun can function as an indirect object when it connects with a verb that requires an indirect object, such as 'like' or 'prefer.'
• 😀 The relative pronoun can be a predicate, especially when it links the subject with a linking verb like 'is,' as in the sentence: 'This woman who is my mother,' where 'my mother' is the predicate.
• 😀 'Whose' always functions as an adjectival adjunct, establishing possession, as in the phrase 'Nacib, whose vice was to eat well,' where 'whose' indicates possession.
• 😀 The relative pronoun 'where' always functions as an adverbial adjunct of place, referring to a location or place in a sentence, such as 'on the large dining table where the supper was announced.'
• 😀 A relative pronoun can function as the agent of the passive voice, as shown in the sentence 'I am reciprocated by your lovely pupil,' where 'your lovely pupil' is the agent performing the action.

Q & A

What is a relative pronoun?

A relative pronoun is a small word that introduces a subordinate adjective clause and establishes a connection between the main clause and the subordinate clause. It also replaces a previously mentioned term, called the antecedent.

What is the main function of a relative pronoun?

The main function of a relative pronoun is to link two clauses together and replace an antecedent, ensuring the sentence flows without unnecessary repetition.

Can a relative pronoun have different syntactic functions? If so, what are they?

Yes, a relative pronoun can have several syntactic functions, including: subject, direct object, indirect object, predicate, adjectival adjunct, nominal complement, adverbial adjunct, and passive agent.

How can you identify the syntactic function of a relative pronoun?

To identify the syntactic function, first find the antecedent of the relative pronoun, then replace the pronoun with the antecedent in the sentence. Analyze the sentence structure to determine the function (e.g., subject, direct object).

What is the role of the relative pronoun 'that' in a sentence?

'That' is a common relative pronoun that can perform several functions such as acting as a subject or direct object. It is often used to introduce subordinate clauses and replace nouns mentioned earlier.

Can the relative pronoun 'whose' be used in contexts other than expressing possession?

No, 'whose' always expresses possession. It is used to establish a relationship of ownership or belonging, and in all cases, it functions as an adjectival adjunct.

What is an adjectival adjunct, and how does a relative pronoun function as one?

An adjectival adjunct is a phrase that modifies or describes a noun. A relative pronoun like 'whose' functions as an adjectival adjunct because it always establishes a relationship of possession or association, qualifying a noun.

What is the syntactic function of a relative pronoun when it refers to a place?

When a relative pronoun refers to a place, such as 'where,' it functions as an adverbial adjunct. This indicates the location or place related to the action in the sentence.

What is the difference between a direct object and an indirect object in relation to relative pronouns?

A direct object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb directly, while an indirect object typically answers the question 'to whom' or 'for whom' the action is done. Relative pronouns like 'whom' or 'which' can replace either, depending on the sentence.

How does a relative pronoun function as a passive agent in a sentence?

In a passive voice sentence, the relative pronoun can function as the agent of the action, meaning it represents the entity performing the action in a passive structure (e.g., 'by whom' or 'which').