ABSTRACT
In the formal language almost the opposite is the case, as 'logical modifications and stress are mediated through a grammatically complex sentence construction, especially through the use of a range of conjunctions and relative clauses'. 'Individual qualification', Bernstein writes, 'is verbally mediated through the structure of relationships within and between sentences. That is, it is explicit'. It has often been pointed out that it is extremely difficult to define a sentence. Though, certainly, there has been no shortage of attempts at definition; Fries considers numerous conceptions before presenting his own. Hasan's definition of the sentence is primarily grammatical. She postulates two primary elements of sentence structure: the 'presupposing' and the 'non-presupposing' elements. Basically, the presupposing element cannot stand by itself. It demands the presence of another element which could stand by itself in order to make a complete sentence. The element that can stand by itself is, of course, the non-presupposing element.
