Re: Names for derivative forms - request for comments PLEASE :)

Hi, all.

Here's something I got off this list some time ago:   the difference between
two types of instruments, secondary agents and tools.

secondary agent:   The agent manipulates the ~ in such a way that ~
accomplishes the action.

I hit the wall with my fist.
I cut the paper with a knife.
The key opened the door.

tool:   The ~ aids the agent in such a way that the agent accomplishes the
action.

I ate the soup with a spoon.
I found the basement door with a flashlight.
I climbed the mountain with a walking stick.

There is an interesting difference between these two kinds of instrumental
NP's:
NP's that stand for secondary agents can be placed in the same subject
positions that NP's that stand for agents can.

My fist hit the wall.
The knife cut the paper.
The key opened the door.

But NP's that stand for tools can't be put in subject positions that take
NP's that stand for agents without creating nonsense sentences.

The spoon ate the soup.
The flashlight found the basement door.
The walking stick climbed the mountain.

Of course, this distinction doesn't cover another kind of instrument;
things that do stuff on their own accord with neither volition nor human
intervention.   e.g.

The sun shines.

Here's where your "nomen agentis" category has the most appeal for this
conlanger.  Bear in mind that this is NOT always habitual.   e.g.

The iceberg split off.    The volcano erupted.

Hope this helps.

Jim