Classification
Each element (base, prefix and suffix) is assigned to one or more classes. Classification separates elements according to a number of grammatica, semantic and pragmatic properties:
- Whether a concept is tangible or intangible.
- Whether a concept represents a countable concept.
- The valence of a verb: Whether it is intransitive (it just happens) or transitive (it happens to something) or reflexive (it happens to the subject).
- Whether an action is instantaneous, is beginning, is ending, is ongoing, or is a repeated action.
- Whether an action is completed (grammarians say perfect) or not.
- Whether an element denotes an action, describes a state of being, reports a change in state, is active, or is passive.
- The general direction of an action.
- The mood of a verb: Whether the action can be counted on (indicative), or is doubtful or merely to be desired (subjunctive), or isn’t happening at all (negative).
- Whether I’m telling you (indicative) or ordering you (imperative).