Re: Object Properties List? (was: Copula)

Eldin Raigmore wrote:
> On Mon, 19 Mar 2007 08:25:26 +0000, R A Brown
> <ray@...> wrote:
[snip]
>>Logically, I suppose, the second argument of verbs like 'to be' or 'to
>>seem' would, in a language with a case system, have their own
>>'predicative case.'
>
> Some do, don't they?
Possibly, tho I can't think of any at the moment. I notice SIL 'Glossary
of linguistic terms' does not list such a case. Indeed, a quick Google
search revealed only conlangs with this case    :)

> And don't some grammarians call it an "equative case",
According to SIL:
{quote}
Equative case is a case that expresses likeness or identity to the
referent of the noun it marks.
   	
It can have meaning, such as
   	
     * as
     * like, and
     * in the capacity of.
{/quote}

It would thus seem appropriate for "firefighter" in "...to be the best
firefighter"    :)

> or even an "essive case",
According to SIL:
{quote}
Essive case is a case that expresses the temporary state of the referent
specified by a noun.
   	
The case has the meaning of
   	
     * while, and
     * in the capacity of.
{/quote}

It also adds that "the term essive case is used especially in Finnish
and Hungarian grammatical studies."

But it would seem it is not so appropriate for "firefighter' in the
phrase above if the intention is to be permanently a firefighter (until
death, of course).

> instead of a "predicative case"?
Similarities, but subtle differences, I think.

[snip]
--
Ray
==================================
ray@carolandray.plus.com
http://www.carolandray.plus.com
==================================
TRADUTTORE TRADITORE