Definition & Bedeutung von "small clause"

What is a "small clause"?

A small clause is a type of clause that contains a subject and a predicate but does not have a verb that can stand alone as the main verb of a larger sentence. Small clauses typically express a simple idea or relationship, often functioning as a complement to a verb or adjective in the main clause. For example, in the sentence "I consider him a friend," the phrase "him a friend" is a small clause where "him" is the subject and "a friend" is the predicate. Small clauses can provide additional information or clarify relationships without forming a complete sentence on their own, allowing for more concise expressions in complex sentences.