LessonsDelaying and Fronting the Predicate: Restriction, Emphasis, and AnticipationQuiz

When the listener is especially interested in the predicate’s content, the speaker can place it first. A desirable location, encouraging property, or other good news may be offered immediately before the person or thing to which it belongs is named.

Ihtimām means giving prominence to what is important in the communicative setting. Taʿjīl al-masarra brings welcome information forward. Neither purpose requires an exclusive statement about the predicate.

The analyst asks whether the listener already awaits that information or whether the speaker deliberately makes it the first point of attention.

Opening interactive controls...

Fronting for emphasis and immediacy

Delaying and Fronting the Predicate: Restriction, Emphasis, and Anticipation

When the listener is especially interested in the predicate’s content, the speaker can place it first. A desirable location, encouraging property, or other good news may be offered immediately before the person or thing to which it belongs is named.

Ihtimām means giving prominence to what is important in the communicative setting. Taʿjīl al-masarra brings welcome information forward. Neither purpose requires an exclusive statement about the predicate.

The analyst asks whether the listener already awaits that information or whether the speaker deliberately makes it the first point of attention.