What are the circumstantial supplements

In any sentence, the predicate can count on numerous verbal complements that add information about the action that the subject develops, as is the case of circumstantial complements . This function can be performed either by an adverbial adverb or syntagma, as well as a nominal, prepositional phrase or even a subordinate clause that will specify the circumstances and the environment in which the verbal action occurs. There are many types of this complement, so we want to explain in detail what are the circumstantial supplements.

Circumstantial complement of place

One of the most common types of circumstantial complement is the place (CCL) that indicates where the action specified by the verb takes place.

To locate it, we must ask the verb: where?

Examples of circumstantial place supplement:

  • Yesterday we played the game on the artificial grass field.
  • Juan is living in London.
  • I'll park the car there.

Circumstantial complement of time

Also, we can find circumstantial time (CCT) that, as in the previous case, will specify the time at which the verbal action takes place.

To locate it, we must ask the verb: when?

Examples of circumstantial time complement:

  • Maria will arrive at five in the afternoon.
  • My parents go to the pool every Saturday.
  • I met him when he was 5 years old.

Circumstantial complement so

The circumstantial complement of mode (CCM), on the other hand, explains in what way or mode what the verb expresses.

To locate it, we must ask the verb: how?

Examples of circumstantial complement so:

  • Your brother came hurriedly.
  • You can open it like this.
  • They will have to do it as I taught them.

Circumstantial complement of cause

In the case that the verbal complement specifies the cause of the verbal action, we will find ourselves before a circumstantial cause (CCC) .

To locate it, we must ask the verb: why?

Examples of circumstantial complement of cause:

  • Tomorrow I will not go to work because I go to the doctor.
  • The neighbor is sick because of tobacco.
  • I'll be late because of a subway strike.

Circumstantial complement of purpose

Similar to the previous type of circumstantial complement, we find the one of finality (CCF) that is used to indicate the end of verbal action.

To locate it, we must ask the verb: for what?

Examples of circumstantial purpose complement:

  • I prepared pancakes for breakfast.
  • You have to pay attention to understand it.

Circumstantial supplement of company

The circumstantial company (CCComp) indicate who accompanies the subject to do what the verb expresses.

To locate it, we must ask the verb: with whom?

Examples of company circumstantial complement:

  • I will come tomorrow with my cousin.
  • Your father meets mine every day .

Circumstantial instrument complement

If we want to specify the instrument or object with which the verbal action is developed, we must use a circumstantial instrument complement (CCI).

To locate it, we must ask the verb: with what?

Examples of circumstantial instrument complement:

  • The woodcutter cut the trees with an ax.
  • You have to make the dough with your hands.

Circumstantial addition of quantity

When it comes to expressing quantities related to the verb of the sentence, it will be necessary to speak of a circumstantial quantity (CCCant) .

To locate it, we must ask the verb: how much?

Examples of circumstantial addition of quantity:

  • Esther loves her sister very much .
  • I got really angry because you did not come.

Other circumstantial supplements

In addition to all these types of circumstantial complement, there are other less frequent such as:

  • Circumstantial complement of matter, which specifies a material with which the action is performed. Example: This door is made with iron.
  • Circumstantial complement of concession to indicate a cause that prevents the verbal action from being carried out. Example: He did not come though he was invited.

In the case of denial and affirmation, some authors consider them as circumstantial even though they are verb modifiers and not complements that specify the circumstances of the verb.

Examples: She never cried for love / It's really sunny.