38 · Reduced and marked
Interjections and edge words
Some expressions comment on a whole statement without filling a place inside its clause. In Oh, the gate opened, oh stands outside the clause frame. Interjection names its word class, and supplement names this outside relationship. An adverb phrase can do the same job in Unfortunately, the engine stalled.
Oh is an interjection outside the clause frame.
Unfortunately is an adverb phrase outside the clause frame.
scope matters
Ask what the words contribute
Removing either opening leaves a complete clause, so removal only shows that the material is optional. Yesterday supplies the time of the playing and is an integrated adverbial. Unfortunately evaluates the whole claim. Ask whether the expression helps describe the event or comments on the claim or the act of saying it.
Yesterday answers when the children played, so it is an adverbial.
Unfortunately evaluates the whole claim, so it is a supplement.
Ten sentences from this lesson, one decision at a time.