Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

DECLARATIVE CLAUSES 

291

Structure

291a

The word order in declarative clauses is subject (

S

) – verb (

V

) – 

X

, where 

X

is any

other element present (e.g. object/complement). 

Declaratives are most typically used to make statements and assertions:

S V

I | saw | him in the distance.

S

V

These days | he | seems | quite happy.

S V

Bob | often | annoys | people.

S   V

I | don’t put | salt on my food.

532 | Clause types

Cambridge Grammar of English

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Affirmative declaratives

291b

An affirmative declarative clause makes a statement about something that is, as

opposed to something that is not.

Examples of affirmative declarative clauses

subject

verb

X

He

is

a good teacher.

I

’ve noticed

it.

She

works 

in the mornings.

He

mentioned

that.

Negative declaratives

291c

Negative declarative clauses negate a proposition. They have the word order

subject – auxiliary/modal verb – negative particle – verb – 

X

, where 

X

is any other

element present (e.g. object/complement).

Examples of negative declarative clauses