In this blog post, you will learn about the English Language, complements & kinds of complements, contraction form "ain't", similes, literal & metaphorical meanings of the words, fable, and the partitive genitives.
English Language
The English Language is considered the current Lingua Franca of the world as it is used in international geo-political and socio-economic trades. The English Language roughly falls into the following categories:-
1. Colloquial English - It is commonly employed by educated people, mainly used to create a conversation effect.
2. Slang English - It is the language of illiterate people. Words, expressions, and usages short-lived are usually considered unsuitable for formal contexts.
3. Literature - It is the language of authors and writers used in various kinds of dignified writings.
Complement
A complement is a word or group of words and expressions that completes or perfects the meaning of the sentence. Therefore, complements are the words and expressions (excluding verbs) which complete the meaning of sentences. For example, I want to go to the park.
Kinds of Complements
1. Subjective Complement. The expression that describes the subject in a sentence is called subjective complement. For example, she is a manager in the company.
2. Objective Complement. The expression that describes the object in a sentence is called object complement. For example, she made him nervous.
3. Complement of a Verb. The expression that describes the verb in a sentence is called the complement of a verb. For example, she wants a drink.
4. Complement of a Noun. The expression that describes the noun in a sentence is called the complement of a noun. For example, she hopes to see Mike soon.
5. Complement of Adjective. The expression that describes an adjective in a sentence is called the complement of the adjective. For example, she is good at studies.
6. Predicate Complement. Predicate complement is also called subjective complement, following copular verbs. For example, the house appears large, and the house looks empty.
The Contraction form "ain't"
Ain't is the contraction form of are not, is not, am not, have not, or has not. Ain't is one of the most informal verb contractions in the English Language. It is used in formal contexts. It is criticized because it is associated with careless speech. However, it is accepted in folk popular song lyrics, show titles, direct quotations, and fictional dialogues. Otherwise, ain't is best avoided except as deliberate rhetorical devices and in allusive expressions such as, you ain't seen anything yet.
Similes
Writers often make a particular kind of comparison to make their writing more interesting and lively. They use similes.
Simile - (singular noun), sim-il-lee, stress goes on the first syllable.
Similes - (plural noun), sim-il-iz, stress goes on the first syllable.
A simile is an interesting comparison that compares two different things. Although the two things are different. There is some point of similarity between them. A simile is introduced by the words "like" or "as". For example:-
The sea made a gigantic roar like a lion.
The seawater tasted like tears.
Mike was as excited as a puppy.
The word "simile" is derived from the Latin word meaning similar.
Literal & Metaphorical meanings of the words
Words have many meanings. The more you learn, the stronger you become. The literal meaning of a word is what it means in reality.
Mary, the singer, touched the pianist on the hand. Literally, the singer put out her hand and touched the person playing the piano on the hand.
But many words have metaphorical meanings. The metaphorical meaning of "touched" is not the literal meaning in the next sentence, but an extended meaning.
Mary, the singer touched the man in the audience. Now here in this sentence, the singer did not literally touch the man but metaphorically. She affected the man's emotions by singing. The metaphorical meaning is to touch the emotions so that we feel an emotion such as sympathy, sadness, or joy. Another useful verb that has literal and metaphorical meanings is "to move".
She moved the book from the table to the chair. (literal)
The sad ending of the book moved her deeply. (metaphorical)
What is Fable?
A fable is a simple story that can be understood on a metaphorical level so that it teaches a lesson. It has a clear message for the reader.
The Partitive Genitive
This is the name given to the countable expression for non-count nouns. These countable expressions are always followed by "of".
A piece of advice.
A slice of bread.
A blade of grass.
A game of cricket.
A jar of honey.