ABSTRACT
This chapter argues that at one level or aspect of language, the category of the sortal is required for the introduction of names and predicables and at another level - the level of speech or discourse - sortal identification is prior to both naming/referring and predicating. It evaluates the question of the relation of sortals to the subject-predicate distinction. The chapter considers explanations of the distinction offered by other writers and offers an explanation which has a reference to other explanations. It draws positive value from them whilst offering an account which seeks to establish the role and importance of sortals. The chapter distinguishes between two senses of 'explanation' and in both senses and seeks to accent the role and importance of sortals. It also discusses P. F. Strawson's objections to P. T. Geach's explanation of the distinction.
