One-member sentences consist of one member which performs
the function of both the subject and the predicate. These kinds of
sentences are usually used in descriptions and in emotional speech. As
the subject and the predicate are correlative notions, the leading
member of a one-member sentence can conditionally be interpreted as
subject or predicate.
One-member sentences consisting of a noun or a noun with its attributes are called nominative sentences: The sky, the flowers, the
songs of birds! (Golsworthy). Another day of fog.( London) . These
kinds of sentences always refer to the present. They are uttered with an
expressive intonation. Nominative sentences differ from elliptical
sentences with a suppressed verbal predicate in that, they do not contain
any secondary parts which might be connected with a verbal
predicate:A small but cosy room. One member sentences also can be
extended and non-extended and they can be declarative, interrogative,
exclamatory or negative in their form: Dusk of a summer night
(Dreiser). The dull pain and the life slowly dripping out of him.
(Heym)- declarative. A thunderstorm? Let’s look for shelter-
interrogative. What a still, hot, perfect day! (Bronte’); Freedom! Bells
ringing out, flowers, kisses, wine. (Heym)- exclamatory.
One member sentences may comprise an infinitive in the function of its leading member . Such sentences are usually
emotionally coloured: Why not go there immediately? How tell him!(
Golsworthy). How keep definite direction without a compass, in the
dark! (Golsworthy).
One member sentences may also be formed by words of affirmation and negation :”Did you leave the dove cage unlocked?” I
asked.- “Yes.”( Hemingway). “You’ll let me me go?” -“No.”(
Golsworthy).
One member sentences may consist of modal words such as
