Homer B Wk. 6 Diagramming

[wjbh]

Hi,

In the second model sentence for the 6 step shuffle could you please explain how "like" is used?


We may be like all the nations.

It looks to us like "like" is used as a predicate nominative yet it is also the preposition for the prepositional phrase "like all the nations."

We are confused about the predicate nominative part. Can a preposition also be a predicate nominative?

Thanks!

Wendy

[Carolyn]

Good question!

"Like" can do several things. It can be a predicate adjective (not nominative), taking a dative construction. Sometimes when it is functioning adjectivally, it is construed as a preposition. It can also function adverbially/prepositionally. (Descriptive English Grammar, if you have it, is invaluable here. It has three whole pages on this.)

In the example you give, 'like' is naming a quality of the subject, so it is functioning as a predicate adjective. Then, it takes the dative construction. Think "Like unto the nations" -- that nifty old King James usage. Except 'unto' isn't used, so there's no prepositional phrase modifying 'like', but just the dative of 'nations'.

Can the preposition be a predicate adjective? Yes, and no. 'Like' can function as either, depending on the circumstances. If 'like' is a preposition here, it is either adjectival, modifying 'We' ... in which case the sentence is saying "We, like all the nations, may be." That examines our existence, which isn't the meaning of the original. Or, it could be adverbial, telling 'how' we may be. That's not it either. So, in this sentence it is stuck being a predicate adjective.


Does that help? If not, ask away!

Carolyn

[wjbh]

Thanks so much Carolyn!

Yes, that does help! It makes sense!

Thanks,
Wendy