Thematic Role

A thematic role describes the function a word or phrase plays in a sentence, providing context about the relationships between different parts. For example, in "The dog chased the cat," the dog is the "agent" (the doer), and the cat is the "patient" (the receiver of the action). Thematic roles help us understand who is doing what to whom, offering clarity about the meaning of sentences. Common roles include agent, patient, experiencer, goal, and source. They are essential for analyzing language and understanding how different elements connect to convey meaning.