>Michael, I like Bruce's explanation. Functional grammar (SFG) would call it an "existential" clause. "There" is only a placemarker. "A very big difference between coca and cocaine" is the subject, and about all we're predicating is that the difference exists. "Is" isn't really a linking verb here because nothing is being linked. Craig > How would you diagram "There is a very big difference between coca and > cocaine"? > > Specifically, would you see the prepositional phrase as modifying > "difference" or "is"? > > Thanks. > > To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface > at: > http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html > and select "Join or leave the list" > > Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/ > To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/