On the proper forms of the predicate for Pedagogical English Grammar: A preliminary study, theoretical and historical

Abstract

This paper is a preliminary study primarily concerned with the formal analysis of the predicate in Pedagogical English Grammar and seeks what kind of predicate is best suited for learning English grammar. The discussion starts with the Five Sentence Forms traditionally taught in Japan, showing their advantages. Then, alternatives, which attempted to resolve the shortcomings of the Five Sentence Forms are introduced, discussing their advantages and disadvantages. The discussion focuses on the treatment of obligatory adverbs and double objects from both theoretical and historical viewpoints.