Proform

As pro forms (also: pro-forms , Pronominal copies or reference forms ) refers to all those linguistic constituents primarily to nominal reference elements relate. They have a representative function in that they refer backwards ( anaphorics ) or forward ( cataphorics ) to pick up on the above or below.

There are different aspects of reference. On the one hand, pronouns represent the categories person , number , gender and case . You fulfill the function of a co-referee .

• Ulrike, I trust you to do everything! - Dir refers to the person
• Paul and the kids, they have a lot of fun. - it refers to the number
• That was expensive, but the device also pays for itself. - that refers to the gender
• Mr Schmidt, I would like to say something to you. - You refers to the case

On the other hand, pronominal adverbs express semantic aspects such as locality, temporality, causality or modality.

• Do you know Dresden? I was there in September. - there refers locally to Dresden
• Work before pleasure. - then temporally refers to the work first
• She worked too much, that's why she is tired. - therefore causally refers to she has worked too much
• I recommend lots of fresh fruit to keep you healthy. - so modally refers to a lot of fresh fruit

Web links

Wiktionary: Pro-Form  - explanations of meanings, word origins, synonyms, translations