The ‘is’ of Predication

The ‘is’ of Predication: Attributing Properties

The verb ‘is’ serves multiple functions in language. One crucial role is the ‘is’ of predication, which connects a subject to a property or characteristic. This is distinct from the ‘is’ of identity (e.g., ‘Socrates is the philosopher’) or the ‘is’ of existence (e.g., ‘There is hope’).

Key Concepts

In predication, ‘is’ acts as a copula, linking the subject to its predicate. The predicate describes a quality, state, or classification of the subject.

• Subject: The entity being described.
• Predicate: The part of the sentence that attributes a property to the subject.
• Copula: The verb ‘is’ that links subject and predicate.

Deep Dive

Consider the sentence: ‘The sky is blue.’ Here, ‘is’ does not mean the sky is identical to ‘blue’ nor that ‘blue’ exists. Instead, it predicates the property of blueness to the subject ‘sky’. This form is central to descriptive statements and judgments.

Applications

The ‘is’ of predication is fundamental in:

• Forming descriptive sentences in everyday language.
• Constructing logical propositions and arguments.
• Defining attributes and classifications in various fields.

Challenges & Misconceptions

A common confusion arises when distinguishing predication from identity. While ‘is’ can signify identity, its predicative use is about attributing qualities. For example, ‘This car is red’ (predication) versus ‘This car is my dream car’ (identity).

FAQs

Q: How is the ‘is’ of predication different from the ‘is’ of existence?

A: The ‘is’ of existence affirms that something is real or present, while the ‘is’ of predication assigns a characteristic to something already established.