Orações matrizes (verbo ser + predicativo): predicados que expressam a atitude do falante

Abstract

This paper investigates embedded subject clauses of some matrices composed by [matrix (verb be + predicative) + subject clause]. We assume as a hypothesis that there are different linking degrees between embedded subject clauses and their matrices [verb be + predicative], which show up concurring in a same functional domain. Among these different uses, we find cases that are more or less integrated. Such an analysis takes as its axis the semantic indication of the matrix, found in the expression of values: modality and evaluation. Modality was divided into epistemic and deontic, and evaluation, into affective, appreciative and judgment. The embedded subject clause was analyzed according to its formal performance: finite –which was, in some cases, syntactically and semantically decoupled from the matrix–, or non-finite –which was strongly integrated into the matrix. Matrix clauses indicating assertive and relative epistemic modality and some matrices indicating evaluation were largely decoupled from embedded subject clauses, which were performed in the finite form, categorically, in the present indicative. These cases show a behavior similar to that of clausal adverbs: they have a quasi-fixed position in the clause –initial position– and express epistemic modality, and, evaluation. The matrices allow for their being substituted for a corresponding adverb ending in “-ly” and for their being taken off the clause without making the latter non-grammatical. Moreover, they mark impersonality through quasicrystallization of the verb in the third person singular of the present indicative and through not marking gender in the predicative – the masculine being recurrent, if gender is marked at all. These features point to the syntactic-semantic decoupling of the matrix in relation to the embedded clause.