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Kernels
(very small amount of
something)
Kernel Sentences
A sentence reduced to its
simplest form.
In transformational
grammar, it is
a simple declarative
construction with only
one verb. A kernel
sentence is
always active and
affirmative.
The concept of the
kernel sentence was
introduced in 1957 by
linguist Z.S. Harris and
featured in the early
work of linguist Noam
Chomsky.
"A kernel sentence
does not contain any
optional expression
and is simple in the
sense that it is
unmarked in mood,
therefore, it is
indicative.
It is also unmarked
in voice therefore it
is active rather
than passive.
And, finally, it is
unmarked in polarity
therefore it is a positive
rather than a negative
sentence.
An example of a kernel
sentence is
'The man opened the door.
And an example of a non-
kernel sentence is
'The man did not open the
door.'
Even a sentence with
an adjective, gerund
or infinitive is not a kernel
sentence.
This is a black cow.
is made of two kernel
sentences.
This is a cow.
and
The cow is black.
I saw them crossing the
river.
is made of
I saw them.
and
They were crossing the
river.
I want to go
is made of
I want
and
I go."
A kernel sentence is
a sentence which
cannot be reduced
into smaller
sentences.
Here's an example :
"The cake Harry baked is nice.
It is not a kernel sentence because
you can express it with two smaller
sentences:
"Harry baked a cake." and
"The cake is nice."
Those two smaller sentences are
kernels because you cannot reduce
them into smaller sentences.
Other examples of Kernel
Sentence:
John is playing football.
I wrote a letter.
You spoke the truth.
Other examples of Kernel
Sentence:
Children play.
Men work.
Ann dances.
Flowers bloom.
Birds fly.
Non- Kernel Sentences:
Is John playing football?
(Interrogative)
John is not playing
football.
(Negative)
Non- Kernel Sentences:
A letter was written by Kim.
(Passive)
Who wrote the letter?
(Question form)
Non- Kernel Sentences:
You spoke the truth when
you were forced.
(Complex sentence)
You spoke the truth and
many believed it.
(Compound Sentence)
Non- Kernel Sentences:
You spoke the truth when
you were forced.
(Complex sentence)
You spoke the truth and
many believed it.
(Compound Sentence)
Break the following
sentence into 8 kernel
sentences.
The first Olympic prize was
a crown of olive leaves cut
with a golden knife.
The first Olympic prize was a crown of
olive leaves cut with a golden knife.
1. There was a prize.
2. There was a first prize.
3. There was an Olympic prize.
4. There was a crown.
5. There were olive leaves.
6. There was a knife.
7. There was a gold knife.
8. The knife cut the olive leaves.
Break the following
sentence into 4 kernel
sentences.
Tea ceremony is an old
formal tradition of the
Chinese.
Tea ceremony is an old formal
tradition of the Chinese.
1. Tea ceremony is a tradition.
2. This tradition is old.
3. This tradition is formal.
4. It is Chinese.
Exercise:
Construct simple sentences
from the following complex
sentences to get kernel
sentences.
1. Tea,which is a healthy drink,
is so beneficial to the human
body that it is used as medicine.