Grammar for Logic 1 Declarative Sentences Subject Predicate

Grammar for Logic 1. Declarative Sentences Subject / Predicate Analysis 2. Simple vs Compound

Subject / Predicate Analysis u The SUBJECT TERM is the noun phrase that identifies what is being talked about. – ASK THE QUESTION : WHAT OR WHO IS THE SENTENCE TALKING ABOUT? u The PREDICATE TERM is the verbal phrase that says something about the subject term. – ASK THE QUESTION: WHAT IS BEING SAID ABOUT THE SUBJECT?

Examples of Subject/Predicate Analysis u 1. All mammals are warm blooded. u 2. Elaina and Joseph traveled to Cyprus last summer while they were on a Mediterranean cruise. u 3. There are two new electric cars in Ford’s new production line for 2011. u 4. Jonathan believes that all birds are descended from of dinosaurs

Now you try: u Hurricane Katrina was the worst ecological disaster the United States has ever experienced. u Subject = Hurricane Katrina u Predicate = was the worst ecological disaster the United States has ever experienced.

u Thirty miners have been trapped in Chile one mile beneath the earth for more than six weeks. u Subject = Thirty miners u Predicate = have been trapped in Chile one mile beneath the earth for more than six weeks

u My aunt and uncle have lived together in marital bliss forty five years. u Subject = My aunt and uncle u Predicate = have lived together in marital bliss forty five years.

u The derelict car across the street that belongs to my neighbor has been blocking parking for everyone for more than a month. Subject = The derelict car across the street that belongs to my neighbor u Predicate = has been blocking parking for everyone for more than a month. u

u The couple sitting in the corner of the restaurant work with my boyfriend’s cousin’s brother. u Subject = The couple sitting in the corner of the restaurant u Predicate = work with my boyfriend’s cousin’s brother.

Simple vs Compound u u A SIMPLE STATEMENT is a statement that cannot be analyzed into anything simpler that still retains truth value. A COMPOUND STATEMENT is a statement that combines at least one simple statement and a logical operator. – Logical operators are expressed by COORDINATING CONJUNCTIONS such as “and” “either-or” “but” “however” “if-then” “only if” “although” and other words and phrases.

Examples u u 1. If Bobby is late, then Mary will be angry and Charlene will be waiting. 2. Sometimes reality may feel like a dream, and sometimes our dreams may feel like reality. 3. A new tax policy should have flat tax or it will have a new consumption tax. 4. The fence that Joe built is legal if, and only if he got the plans approved before he began work.

Now you try: u If we want our state’s citizens to be well educated, then we must teach them their own language. u [W]e want our state’s citizens to be well educated. u [W]e must teach them their own language. u Logical coordinators: If - then

u Either I will run for governor, or I will retire and move to the South of France. u. I will run for governor. u I will retire. u [I will] move to the South of France. u Logical coordinators: Either – or, and

u Only if we all get out and vote will our society remain a vibrant democracy. u We all get out and vote. u Our society will remain a vibrant democracy. u Logical coordinator: Only if u Note: “and” is not a logical operator in this sentence.

u Comprehending the subject matter is sufficient for passing the course. – This sentence needs to be paraphrased in order for the logical relationships to come into the foreground. u Paraphrase: u If you comprehend the subject matter, then you can pass the course. – Now the analysis is much easier. The trick is knowing that “is sufficient for” can be expressed as an “if-then” relationship. – Other paraphrasings are possible. How to paraphrase is an art and takes practice, and the best paraphrase will depend on the context.