LessonsIndefiniteness, Specification and Definiteness of the PredicateQuiz

A useful analysis of a definite or indefinite predicate follows four steps:

1. Identify the predicate. Determine the subject and its predication.
2. Determine definiteness. Note annexation, modifiers, the definite article or other qualification.
3. Assess what the hearer knows. Is a particular referent already familiar, or only the category or attribute?
4. Identify the communicative purpose. Is it simple reporting, magnification, disparagement, specification, identification or restriction?

For «زَيْدٌ الْأَمِيرُ», noting merely that the predicate is definite is insufficient. One must ask whether the utterance identifies a known emir or presents Zayd as unique in emirship. That distinction determines the interpretation.

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A four-question method of rhetorical analysis

Indefiniteness, Specification and Definiteness of the Predicate

A useful analysis of a definite or indefinite predicate follows four steps:

1. Identify the predicate. Determine the subject and its predication.
2. Determine definiteness. Note annexation, modifiers, the definite article or other qualification.
3. Assess what the hearer knows. Is a particular referent already familiar, or only the category or attribute?
4. Identify the communicative purpose. Is it simple reporting, magnification, disparagement, specification, identification or restriction?

For «زَيْدٌ الْأَمِيرُ», noting merely that the predicate is definite is insufficient. One must ask whether the utterance identifies a known emir or presents Zayd as unique in emirship. That distinction determines the interpretation.