To understand about the subject that is presently present means, above all, to be aware that the VERB it represents the nucleus, the most representative part, when it comes to the predicate. Moving on, always starting from this principle, in order to analyze the role that this same verb plays, it is of fundamental importance to divide it into two specific groups: Notional verbs and non-notional verbs.
Thus, in light of this linguistic reality, let us turn our gaze to the analysis of the characteristics that guide both modalities - a fact that will help us significantly in the understanding about the relationship that exists between the subject and the verb and between it (the verb) and the respective complements that can be attributed to it - assumptions which underlie the call verbal predication.
In this sense, let's go to the first group: the notionals. They, in turn, conceptualize themselves as those that express processes, that is, they indicate action, mental activity, natural phenomenon, desire, event.
BORN
LIGHTNING
REASON
WISH
TO JUDGE
TO INTEND
THINK
Do not stop now... There's more after the advertising ;)
TO OCCUR
CONSIDER
SING...
The considered non-notional verbs are represented by those that express a notion of state, specifically known as linking verbs. They, unlike the notionals, although being part of the predicate, do not act as its nucleus. Let's look at some representative cases:
TO BE
BE
CONTINUE
STAY
TO STAY
WALK
PASS
FIND YOURSELF
BECOME
TO FINISH
Another prerogative, also of equal importance in this study, concerns the fact that the contextin which a given verb is used to be the fundamental element for such characterization, taking into account the two modalities discussed herein. In other words, in order to know if a verb is notional or non-notional, it is necessary, first, to analyze the situation in which it finds itself used. Let's look at the examples, therefore:
Carlos walks fast
Notional verb, once indicating action.
Carlos is sad.
Non-notional verb, thus signaling the state in which the subject is (Carlos).
By Vânia Duarte
Graduated in Letters
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
DUARTE, Vânia Maria do Nascimento. "Notional verbs and non-notional verbs"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/gramatica/verbos-nocionais-verbos-nao-nocionais.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
