International Journal of Philology

The syntactic theory is undergoing dynamic development within linguistic scholarship, with growing scholarly interest in the syntactic structure of the Latin language. This study aimed to analyse the structural and semantic types of predicates within the semanticsyntactic structure of the sentence. The research employed a comprehensive set of methods, ranging from morphological to contextual analysis, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Information from various sources on the predicate as a distinct type of main sentence constituent – characterised by a range of specific features – has been systematised, and the parameters of its functioning have been described. The study addresses the issue of syntactic relationships between sentence constituents – namely, the predicate as the main sentence constituent and the subordinate elements that together form the sentence structure, convey its core meaning, and determine its specificity. The positional placement of the predicate within the sentence structure is analysed, along with its stylistic function, differential features, and forms of expression. It is substantiated that the predicate constitutes the semantic and grammatical core of the sentence and is structurally non-uniform. The study examines the structural and semantic types of predicates in the Latin language, clarifies and systematises existing data on their classifications, and defines the place of each type within the overall typology of predicates. It identifies the means by which compound verbal predicates are extended through the use of modal components and substantiates that the modal meaning conveyed in a sentence depends both on the morphological composition of the compound verbal predicate and on the choice of linking verbs. It is noted that when a verbal base forms part of a compound verbal predicate, the means of expression conveys the corresponding modal meaning of the predicate. The forms of realisation of both verbal and compound nominal predicates are outlined, their usage within sentences is explored, and their functions are supported with examples. The findings contribute to a broader understanding of the syntactic structure of the Latin language. The results concerning structural and semantic types of predicates may be applied in future theoretical research on the semantic-syntactic structure of the sentence

syntax; sentence structure; predicative relationship; predicate; simple verbal predicate; compound verbal predicate; compound nominal predicate