Functions & Forms of Adjunct – SS3 English Lesson Note (Second Term)

An adjunct is a word or group of words that works like an adverb in a sentence. It tells us how, when, where, to what extent, under what condition or why the action of the verb is performed. An adjunct is usually optional, so removing it does not affect the rest of the sentence.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. define an adjunct and identify adjuncts in sentences;
2. state the forms and functions of adjuncts;
3. tell the difference between adjuncts, disjuncts and conjuncts;
4. paraphrase a passage and a poem in their own words;
5. write an argumentative essay on a given topic.

What is an adjunct?

An adjunct is a word or a group of words that forms part of the meaning of the sentence. It functions like an adverb. An adverb modifies a verb, another adverb or an adjective.

In linguistics, an adjunct is an optional, or structurally dispensable, part of a sentence, clause or phrase. If it is removed, it does not otherwise affect the remainder of the sentence.

Example of adjuncts in a sentence

Take the sentence John helped Bill in Central Park on Sunday.

1. John is the subject argument.
2. Helped is the predicate.
3. Bill is the object argument.
4. In Central Park is the first adjunct.
5. On Sunday is the second adjunct.

More examples

• Mr John came here.
• I ate my food hurriedly.
• The teacher taught us yesterday.
• The old man takes his drug regularly.
• I left the book in the hostel.

The following sentence uses adjuncts of time and place: Yesterday, Lorna saw the dog in the garden.

Can a sentence do without an adjunct?

It is possible to have a meaningful sentence without an adjunct. However, some sentences may not be meaningful if the adjunct is deleted. For example:

1. Should I put the flask (on a table?)
2. We went (for) our fees.

What are the forms and domains of an adjunct?

1. An adjunct can be a single word, a phrase or an entire clause.
   • Single word: She will leave tomorrow.
   • Phrase: She will leave in the morning.
   • Clause: She will leave after she has had breakfast.
2. An adnominal adjunct (adjunct as a noun phrase) is one that modifies a noun. For example, in The discussion before the game, “before the game” is an adnominal adjunct. Other examples: The exercise before the match. We met last month.
3. Adjuncts that modify adjectives and adverbs are occasionally called adadjectival and adadverbial. For example, in very happy, “very” is an adjectival adjunct. In too loudly, “too” is an adverbial adjunct.
4. An adjunct may be a pure adverb. Examples of pure adverbs are:
   • How: well, quickly, quietly, etc.
   • Where: here, there, inside, etc.
   • When: today, always, soon, etc.
   • To what extent: far, greatly, extremely, etc.
5. An adjunct may be a prepositional phrase. Examples: She is sleeping on the bed. The cat is under the table.

What are the functions of adjuncts?

1. Adjuncts tell you how an activity or event happened. For example: The girl sings melodiously.
2. Adjuncts indicate when an event occurred. For example: I visited my friend yesterday.
3. Adjuncts indicate where something happened. For example: Mr John came here.

What are disjuncts and conjuncts?

A disjunct expresses the point of view or attitude of the speaker. A conjunct joins two sentences or clauses, so it performs the function of a conjunction.

How are adjuncts represented in syntax trees?

Many theories of syntax and grammar use trees to represent the structure of sentences. Various conventions are used to distinguish between arguments and adjuncts in these trees.

In phrase structure grammars, many adjuncts are distinguished from arguments because the adjuncts of a head predicate appear higher in the structure than the object argument(s) of that predicate. The adjunct is adjoined to a projection of the head predicate, above and to the right of the object argument.

Reading: how do you paraphrase a passage?

This section uses the dramatic work (comprehension) “Robbers invade Obioma’s Homepage 107”.

A paraphrase is a restatement of a text in different words, often to clarify meaning. You construct each sentence (not each line) using your own English expressions. A paraphrase exercise expects the general ideas contained in the comprehension.

Words and phrases that can replace words used in the passage

Spoken English: what is an argumentative essay?

An argumentative essay requires you to present a subject so as to persuade your reader to agree with your point of view against another one. An essay of this type is an argument, and its subject covers all forms of debate.

An argument may be developed to:

1. prove a point;
2. present a viewpoint;
3. balance the two sides of an issue.

Debates and argumentative essays

For examination purposes, the candidate must realise that all debates are argumentative essays, but not all argumentative essays are debates. Debates are framed in such a way that the writer should know the topic to be discussed, the people who will be present and possibly where the debate is taking place.

The ordinary argumentative essay

Some topics merely require your point of view. In this type of essay, you write out the topic, underline it and start writing your views without addressing anybody.

Example: Write an essay presenting your points for or against the topic, “Day students perform better than boarding students in examinations”.

This is a good example of an ordinary argumentative essay. No audience is indicated and no greeting is necessary. All you need to do is write the topic and start your essay.

Listening for comprehension: how do you paraphrase a poem?

Why does poetry seem difficult?

Poetry is not as difficult as it seems, but most people think it is. All you need to do is understand the language of poetry.

You cannot read a doctor’s prescription if you do not understand the medical terms used in writing it. If you understand medical terms, you will be able to read any prescription, unless the doctor’s writing is very bad. The same rule applies to law and several other professions.

People think that because poetry is written in the English language, they should be able to understand it without stress. Some people also think poetry is difficult to read or write, so they avoid it by all means.

What do you need to appreciate a poem?

Poetry is a broad subject. You will not be able to appreciate it unless you learn its requirements. These are a well-trained perceptive mind and a good understanding of rhetorical devices. If you master these two requirements, you will be able to give meaning to a poem and paraphrase it when you are required to.

Steps for paraphrasing a poem

1. Read the poem.
2. Digest it and understand it.
3. Write in simple terms what you think the poet is saying through the poem.

Practice poem

Practise with this poem:

On this dirty patch
a tree once stood,
shedding incense of the infant corn:
its bough stretched across a heaven
brightened by the last fires of a tribe.

They sent surveyors and builders
who cut those trees,
planting in its place:
a huge senseless cathedral of doom.

Evaluation

1. Define an adjunct and give two examples.
2. State the three forms an adjunct can take and give one example of each.
3. Name two disjuncts and two conjuncts.
4. What is a paraphrase?
5. Write an essay on the topic: “The Home is Responsible for the Unruly Behaviour of Teenagers in the Society”.

Assignment

Paraphrase the poem in the practice section above. Write in simple terms what you think the poet is saying.