Overview
An equative clause is a type of clause that asserts the identity or equality between two noun phrases. It functions to equate one entity with another, stating that they are the same thing or possess the same qualities.
Key Concepts
The core function of an equative clause is to establish an equivalence. This is typically achieved through:
- The verb ‘to be’: ‘John is the president.’
- Comparative structures: ‘She is as tall as her brother.’
The two noun phrases involved are often referred to as the ‘equated’ and the ‘equating’ element.
Deep Dive
Equative clauses can be further understood by examining their typical structures:
Identity Equatives
These clauses assert that two entities are identical. The verb ‘to be’ is most common here.
Example: The winner is Mary. (The winner and Mary are the same person.)
Attribute Equatives
These clauses assert that one entity possesses a certain attribute or quality shared by another. This often involves comparative adjectives or adverbs.
Example: This car is as fast as that one. (Both cars share the attribute of speed to an equal degree.)
Applications
Equative clauses are fundamental in:
- Defining concepts and terms.
- Making comparisons and stating similarities.
- Establishing identities in narratives or descriptions.
- Logical reasoning and mathematical statements.
Challenges & Misconceptions
A common confusion arises with clauses that use ‘to be’ but are not truly equative, such as attributive clauses where the verb describes a quality rather than asserting identity.
Example (Attributive): The sky is blue. (Blue describes the sky, not that the sky is identical to ‘blue’.)
Misconception: Equative clauses are limited to simple identity statements.
FAQs
What is the difference between an equative and an attributive clause?
An equative clause asserts identity or equality between two noun phrases (e.g., ‘She is the leader’). An attributive clause uses a verb (often ‘to be’) to describe a quality or characteristic of a noun phrase (e.g., ‘She is happy’).
Can other verbs be used in equative clauses?
While ‘to be’ is most common, verbs like ‘become’, ‘seem’, or ‘remain’ can sometimes function in equative-like structures, though they often lean towards attributive or resultative meanings.