Dependency and function

In discussing the functions of constituents, we need some terminology to describe relationships

between them. When two constituent nodes are immediately dominated by the same single node,
as is the case with B and C in the following sentence:
Tree Diagram

B and C are said to be sisters. since B and C are sisters they are the daughters of A, the node that
immediately dominates them. And A is the mother of B and C. It is the relationship of sister that
concerns us here. sister constituents are represented at the same level of structure in phrase
markers. Constituents have their functions in respect of their sister constituents. Thus, in each of
the sentences considered so far, the subject NP and the predicate VP are sisters and as such are
represented at the same level of structure. The NP (e.g. the ducks) has its subject function in
respect of its sister, the VP (e.g. are paddling away). And the VP has its predicate function in
respect of the subject NP. Notice that subject and predicate are dependent on each other. An NP
only functions as a subject in the presence of a sister VP, and a VP only functions as predicate in
the presence of a sister NP. The two of them together are required to form a complete sentence;
neither can be omitted in a complete and well-formed sentence. They are both obligatory in the
structure of sentences