[Grammar] Concerning a verb phrase

[5jj]

Only the first is a sentence, in the normally accepted sense of the word.

I don't particularly like the construction of the first sentence - it leaves an uncomfortable feeling that perhaps 'makes' should be 'make'. It is also not absolutely clear whether you are pouring the cider on to the beans, or serving up a plate of beans and a glass of cider.

 

[JIM1984]

Only the first is a sentence, in the normally accepted sense of the word.

I don't particularly like the construction of the first sentence - it leaves an uncomfortable feeling that perhaps 'makes' should be 'make'. It is also not absolutely clear whether you are pouring the cider on to the beans, or serving up a plate of beans and a glass of cider.

Good point.

 

[JIM1984]

Only the first is a sentence, in the normally accepted sense of the word.

I don't particularly like the construction of the first sentence - it leaves an uncomfortable feeling that perhaps 'makes' should be 'make'. It is also not absolutely clear whether you are pouring the cider on to the beans, or serving up a plate of beans and a glass of cider.

The question remains, however, why not in respect of 2 and 3? Possibly that the pair do not contain a set of words that is complete within itself? That sounds reasonable, when I think about it!

 

[5jj]

It's actually very difficult to come up with a satisfactory definition of 'sentence'. Dionysius Thrax ( c 100 BC) gave one of the first definitions, the expression of a complete thought. Most would agree that it should contain a finite verb.