Abstract This essay evaluates the definitions and problems of the major word classes; nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs and also touches on the minor classes; pronouns, determiners, auxiliaries and conjunctions. It discusses the reasonings and logic behind these parts of speech.
From the Paper "English does have parts of speech for a start. The need for differentiating a similar word in different context for a clearer understanding led to classifying words into word classes, otherwise known as parts of speech. Crystal (1999) defines word class as groups of words that behave in a similar manner syntactically and morphologically. The word order of a sentence in modern English is quite fixed and therefore it is important to know the classification of words before they can be arranged in a sentence. For example, I girl am a would be grammatically anomalous. Changes in the word tenses or aspect can be predicted morphologically if word classification were to be done. In order to be grammatical, he was ill is definitely preferred over he illed or any other variations. In addition, the presence of word class tells us that in a context like he made a killing from killing birds, where killing is used in two different ways differentiated by categorizing the first killing as a noun and the second one as a verb. Clearly, there are more word classes than the two mentioned above in order to facilitate the differentiating words in a sentence. Traditionally, there are eight parts of speech: verbs, nouns, adjectives, adverbs, pronouns, prepositions, conjunctions and interjections (Burridge & Mulder, 1998:148) although the list gets longer periodically. This essay would discuss some problems in defining major word classes like nouns, verbs, adjectives and adverbs which are of an open class where new lexemes are constantly added, and the minor classes such as pronouns, prepositions, determiners, auxiliaries and conjunctions that are known to be closed classes; new lexemes are rare. However, concepts that are discussed are by no means exhaustive."
Abstract This paper discusses how adjectives and adverbs are used to enhance the English language. There is a focus on narrative writing and how modifying clauses are used (and misused) in prose. It provides concise examples of each issue discussed and explores the implications put forth by each.
From the Paper "One of the most interesting (and misused) areas in English grammar is that of modifying clauses. These groups of words create subtle changes in a piece of writing and lend a richness and depth that otherwise would not be apparent. There are two types of modifiers: adjectives and adverbs. These two areas create a myriad of opportunities for the alteration and enrichment of a piece of narration. Modifying phrases, unfortunately, lend themselves to misuse in many instances. The results of this misuse, often labeled "misplaced modifiers" can often be quite humorous when read in context."
Abstract The paper shows that while most people are familiar with the adjective "machiavellian", very few are actually knowledgeable about the political philosophy of Niccolo Machiavelli. It discusses how, in fact, Machiavelli has a great deal to teach us and we should be careful not to dismiss Machiavelli's thoughtfulness and acuity as an observer of human society by relegating his contributions to a single, uncomplimentary adjective. The paper shows that especially in his "Discourses on the First Ten Books of Titus Livius" , we see in this writer of the Italian Renaissance a man who was truly engaged in the intellectual work required to create a system of government that was based on ideals and yet that also acknowledged the realities of human society as he understood them from his particular historical perspective. This paper examines the particular suggestions that Machiavelli outlined in "Discourses" for a well governed republic.
From the Paper "Among Machiavelli's pieces of advice to royal rulers was a judicious use of force (while this may sound barbaric to us, in fact many royal rulers of Machiavelli's time used force unrestrained by any sense of mercy) along with a respect for the private property of individuals and local traditions and customs. Machiavelli did also argue that the same standards of morality cannot be applied to rulers as to those that are ruled because the conditions of their lives and the extent of their responsibilities are so different from each other that a single set of standards for behavior cannot obtain."
Abstract This paper discusses the magnitude of importance football has in the American South. The paper uses many adjectives pertaining toward the subject.
From the Paper "It is third down and long. The quarterback is under center, and his receivers are split out wide. He takes the snap, fakes the hand-off, and drops back into the pocket. He surveys the defense, and fires a perfect strike into the back of the end zone for the game -winning touchdown. Victory! Daleville High School defeats Enterprise High School for the first time ever. His teammates hoist the quarterback onto their shoulders, and jubilantly carry him off the field. Abruptly, the dream changes. He drops back in the pocket, releases the ball, and it is intercepted. Suddenly, the young man awakens and gratefully realizes he is only dreaming. With sweat beading on his forehead, he props back on his pillows and contemplates the next night's big game. (Deep in Southeast Alabama the magnitude of the football rivalry between the Daleville Warhawks and the Enterprise Wildcats can be understood through the sights, sounds, and smells.)"
Abstract The paper discusses the denotative meanings as listed in the dictionary for which there are three main definitions for the word "no"; but, when used as an adverb, seven different meanings are given. The paper continues that while the denotative meaning is reasonably clear, the connotative nuances of "no" are an exploration into the very complexity and inherent difficulty of the English language.
From the Paper "It is crucial to go beyond the simple denotative meaning of a word, in order to fully appreciate the complexity of communication and meaning. While its denotative meaning is reasonably clear, the connotative nuances of "no" are an exploration into the very complexity and inherent difficulty of the English language. Over the past years "no" has been associated with female empowerment, and the word "no" also brings up images of petulant toddlers defying their parents."
Abstract This paper discusses how Percy Shelley perhaps has one of the most interesting and puzzling styles of any of the Romantic poets. It examines how, to Shelley, poetry is language and how language has its limitations. It looks at how Shelley's poem, "To a Skylark", demonstrates his style of presenting a speaker who uses abstract images and ambiguous adjectives and how the major theme that Shelley's speaker attempts to reflect is poetry and song's powerful ability to affect readers. It also looks at how Shelley's speaker uses several stylistic devices in order to attempt to express this theme.
From the Paper "A good example of interesting style occurs in poetry. Because they are usually much shorter than other forms of literary work, poems almost always include words and phrases that carry several meanings. A basic and general, though not always applicable, definition of poetry is saying a lot using few words, thus the words used are very poignant and powerful. Although usually shorter then most other forms of literature, poems are by no means simple. The fact that poets usually aim to say a lot using few words can make poetry a very complex, incredibly ambiguous and many-sided type of writing. Furthermore, like any other form of literature, the style of the poetry varies according to the nature of the author and the point of the poem."
This paper states that, since nearly every sector of our lives is affected by modern media, the media has a profound and ubiquitous influence on public opinion.
Abstract This paper explains that bias is an endemic and unavoidable part of the newsgathering and reportage process, especially in the area of racial bias. The author points out that advertising, another area in which the media can have a profound influence on public opinion, has achieved the status of a carefully crafted art form whose message can have a negative effect on individuals and society because of selected bias. The paper relates that some of the ways in which bias is influencing public opinion are (1) disguising opinions as news by using loaded language and well-portioned adverbs or adjectives and (2) providing selective content by failing to give proper context and full background information, which distorts the true picture.
From the Paper "While the most extreme form of media bias in shaping public opinion is propaganda, the most infamous use of the media influencing public opinion was no doubt the way in which the Nazis influenced the German public. However, there are many instances in the contemporary world where media bias, which tends towards propaganda, is prevalent. The political manipulation of pubic onion is known as propaganda. An example of the way in which the media can influence public perception through suggesting a sense of legitimacy is through polling and a constant stream of subjective media reports. The method of influencing the public is termed self-fulfilling polling."
Abstract This paper compares the works of Sheridan LeFanu and Edgar Allen Poe. It focuses predominantly on why Poe is better known, although they address similar themes. It explains that LeFanu's stories, though technically well-written and at least briefly engaging are rigidly conventional by today's standards and thus immediately forgotten. It points out, however, that Poe's stories baffle the reader, sending them through a tangled web of complicated sentences, strenuous adjectives, and puzzling layers of multiple interpretations.
From the Paper "The mainstream film industry appears to be crawling with insipid, run-of-the-mill movies, which despite managing to temporarily captivate our attention, never quite seem to leave much of an impression. They essentially serve as a momentary means of time disposal. Occasionally, however a film comes along which portrays such brilliantly penetrating individuality and piercing emotion, we find ourselves endlessly haunted, long after our initial viewing. The world of literature can be similarly divided. Two prime examples of such opposites emerged from the literary horror genre of the mid-nineteenth century: Sheridan LeFanu and Edgar Allen Poe."
Abstract This paper explains that, in a world of complexity and near incomprehensibility, nothing compares to straightforward, insightful analysis of current events and news media, plainly expressed with words, particularly nouns, adjectives and even verbs, space permitting. The author gives examples of over-simplification, glossing over and distorting the truth for purposes of humor such as "The Onion" headlining article, which satirically reports of the success of the National Gay and Lesbian Recruitment Task Force in socializing children to become homosexuals. The paper concludes that an ideal society demands that its citizens first look to the news media for knowledge because, if instead people seek information from clowns and jesters, then they may soon become the same buffoons whom they adore.
From the Paper "Chapter five of "America" seeks to ridicule the judicial branch of the American federal government. The salient technique of the chapter, as well as the rest of the book involves oversimplifying the processes of government, glossing over important concepts of our government, and in the worst cases, severely distorting the truth, in effect, putting laughs over substance. For example, in its explanation of the judicial theory of "strict constructionism," "America" comments that a believer in such an idea "interprets the Constitution according to the language and original intent of the text at the time of its writing, in much the same way as a fundamentalist views the Bible." Is that so? Not in most professional opinions, I would venture."
Abstract This analysis discusses how the meanings of words change due to cultural and historical beliefs. It also addresses the way words like "nigger," "fag? and "dyke" have the power to oppress when used by dominant cultures against subcultures but they can also be empowering when appropriated by the subcultures they are used against. It also includes five noun phrase appositives and four adjective clauses.
From the Paper "Changes in the meaning of words often empower or oppress others. We might look to Naylor's depiction of the word nigger to see how words can serve to empower or impress. Racial slurs are often used to wound or shame ..."
Abstract This paper takes a look at the word, 'scum'. According to the paper, the word 'scum' has various applications and definitions. The paper reviews the history of the word and discusses how 'scum' can be used as a noun, a verb or an adjective.
From the Paper "The zero-grade form sk - was suffixed to form sk -mo-. Its derivatives are skim, from the Old French excume or scum, meerschaum, from the Old High German sc m, also implying scum, and scum, from Middle Dutch sch m. All of the three mentioned derivatives come from Germanic sk maz meaning foam or scum, implied in "that which covers the water". The form sk - was also suffixed to sk -ro-. Its derivatives are obscure and chiaroscuro from the Latin obsc rus meaning "covered or dark". The prefix ob- in Latin means "away from". "
Tags: quote, definition, dirt, english, french, impurities, Scandinavian, german, latin
Abstract This paper explains that Annie Dillard's essay on "The Giant Water Bug" begins as an example of nonfiction, meditative nature writing and ends with a murder---of the frog. The author points out that,to convey a sense of meandering in her thoughts and her walking path while she watches the frog, Dillard uses long sentences and often repeats words, particularly adjectives. The paper relates that the injection of biological language suggests a sharp change in narrative tone and a reminder of the scientific aspects of nature and natural survival.
From the Paper "Nature's real ugliness injects itself into the homespun narratives about frogs. A lower life form begins to devour a higher life form. The giant water bug that the author had only read about and appreciated in an academic sense rears its ugly head. She knows it "eats insects, tadpoles, fish, and frogs." But suddenly its presence injects drama into the descriptive passage. Now the fear and ominous nature of the passage's description of the frog's skin, its fear, and the occasional use of biological vocabulary becomes all comes together."
Abstract This paper introduces and discusses Niccolo Machiavelli's most famous work, "The Prince." The paper specifically focuses on how the work spawned the adjective, 'Machiavellian' and discusses the meaning of the term. The paper concludes that Machiavelli's work can prove useful during times of war and peace, as well as for a citizen trying to interpret the calculated positioning of one of his or her leaders.
Tableof Contents:
Introduction to The Prince
Summary
Conclusion
From the Paper "Machiavelli's own work is inevitably affected by when he wrote, during an age characterized small, divided leadership centers, in one of the most fractious and back-biting of all of the Italian cities. However, although being ruled by his ideal prince may hardly be attractive to a resident of a modern democracy, many of his observations of people during times of war and peace are still useful. His guide can prove helpful as well to a citizen trying to interpret the calculated positioning of one of his or her leaders, should he or she wish to turn the tables on such a self-serving prince."
