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Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

A Way with Words, a radio show and podcast about language and linguistics.

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Which Part of the Sentence Is This?
Guest
1
2013/01/27 - 8:15am
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This is bugging me: What part of the sentence is the word "David" in this example?

"David, Mr. Thompkins will be here soon; set the table."

"Mr. Thompkins" is the subject; "David" is not, to my reckoning, the indirect object, so what part of the sentence is it?

TIA

-Daniel

Guest
2
2013/01/27 - 11:15am
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It is the vocative. The vocative expresses the person, people, animal, or thing being addressed with the sentence. The word vocative refers to calling (invoke, c.f. vocal, revoke, convocation, etc.).

God, give me strength. (vocative) vs. God give me strength. (subject with subjunctive verb.)

Fido, come here.

Susan, I just don't know.

Doctor, what is the matter?

Death, where is thy victory?

Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears.

Guest
3
2013/01/28 - 10:12am
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Ah, got it. Thanks!

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