in the ergative case

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in the ergative case" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in discussions about grammar, particularly when referring to languages that utilize the ergative-absolutive alignment system. Example: "In the ergative case, the subject of a transitive verb is marked differently than the subject of an intransitive verb."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The possessor is in the ergative case.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

In Greenlandic the ergative case is used for agents of transitive verbs and for possessors.

Wikipedia

1sgA.2sgO-hit :'I hit you' The nominative pronoun root in this instance, ngagun 'I', takes the ergative case suffix -yi to denote the fact that it is the agent of a transitive clause.

Wikipedia

The subject of a transitive verb is marked with the ergative case.

Wikipedia

Below are given examples of the use of the possessive inflection, the use of the ergative case for possessors and the use of fourth person possessors.

Wikipedia

While the nominal case system distinguishes the ergative case from absolutive, the free pronouns distinguish nominative from accusative, as shown above.

Wikipedia

Conversely, the same pronoun does not take the ergative case when acting as the argument of an intransitive clause: :ngagun maman nga-yu :1sg.

Wikipedia

The transitive v bearing the inherent ergative case checks the absolutive case for the internal argument.

Lingua Sinica

However, they inflect for ergative case as well, resulting in a tripartite case system, as in the following: :ngagun-yi ngonggo ngany-bu-ng :1sg.- 2sg.

Wikipedia

In addition to absolutive case markers, Tsou also has ergative case markers that encode a transitive external argument, and oblique case markers that mark syntactic arguments other than the absolutive and the ergativec.

Lingua Sinica

Although traditional SFL descriptions do not treat Sensers as Agents in the ergative model, it may be inappropriate in contexts so deeply concerned with semiotic action to simply preserve the lexicogrammar's treatment of mental action as more passive than material agency (Moore 2005; Thibault 1993).

Functional Linguistics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing ergative languages, ensure you clearly define what "in the ergative case" signifies within that specific language's grammar, as the precise function can vary.

Common error

Don't assume that all languages have an ergative case or that the ergative case functions identically across different languages; it's a specific feature of certain language families.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in the ergative case" functions as a prepositional phrase that specifies the grammatical case of a noun or pronoun within the context of ergative-absolutive languages. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and appears in texts explaining grammatical concepts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in the ergative case" is grammatically correct and used to denote a specific grammatical role in ergative-absolutive languages. Ludwig confirms its validity. It typically appears in formal, scientific, and encyclopedic contexts. Given its rarity, writers should ensure clear definitions when employing this term to avoid ambiguity. Related terms such as "ergative case marking" or "ergative construction" may provide alternative ways to convey similar information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ergative case marking

Focuses on the marking of the ergative case rather than the case itself.

the ergative construction

Refers to the grammatical construction that employs the ergative case.

under ergative alignment

Indicates that a language or clause follows an ergative-absolutive alignment.

featuring ergativity

Describes a language or system that exhibits ergativity.

within the ergative system

Places the discussion within the broader framework of ergative grammar.

using ergative case

Highlights the active use of the ergative case in a language.

with ergative morphology

Indicates the presence of morphological markers for the ergative case.

displaying ergativity

Describes languages that show ergative behavior.

in the absolutive case

References the absolutive case, often paired with the ergative in ergative-absolutive systems.

following ergative patterns

Indicates adherence to the grammatical patterns typical of ergative languages.

FAQs

How does the ergative case work in a sentence?

In ergative-absolutive languages, the ergative case typically marks the agent of a transitive verb, distinguishing it from the subject of an intransitive verb, which is marked with the absolutive case.

What languages commonly use the ergative case?

Examples of languages that use the ergative case include Basque, Greenlandic, and some Australian Aboriginal languages.

What is the difference between ergative and absolutive cases?

The ergative case marks the agent of a transitive verb, while the absolutive case marks both the patient of a transitive verb and the single argument of an intransitive verb. In nominative-accusative languages, the nominative case covers both of these functions.

Is using the "ergative construction" common in English?

No, English is not an ergative-absolutive language. It follows a nominative-accusative system. Using the "ergative construction" in English would be grammatically incorrect.