From the traditional point of view as I understand it:
The participle "running" is an adjective.
It has its own complement:"from the back of his skull"
This complement is adverbial in that it modifies the adjective "running."
The participial phrase is acting as a predicate adjective.
Bruce
Hello. I think I must have missed the explanation about the complement being adjectival as opposed to adverbial. Here was my post on Sunday:
"The structure is preposed. The base structure is something like this:
[A patch of white hair]...[is] [running from the back of his skull..]
Subject----------------Linking verb---------------------Complement (adverb phrase)
For purposes of style, focus, and/or clarity, the writer has preposed the adverbial complement. Other examples:
The election is in November.--> In November is the election. Same deal."
And it seems as if I was close to the explanation that seems to be most widely accepted. I've just missed the bit about the nature of the complement. Does anyone have the patience to explain it once more? (Just about why it is an adjective and not an adverb)
I appreciate it!
Linda DiDesidero
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