| Definition:
If the form that grammatical element X takes is determined by the form that grammatical element Y takes (but not vice versa), then X is governed by Y.
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| Example:
To require a noun or pronoun to be in a certain case. For example, in the sentence I kicked him the ball, the verb kicked governs the pronoun and requires that it be in its accusative form him.
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| Etymology:
The word derives via Old French from the Latin gubernare, to direct or rule. It ultimately derives from the Greek kybernan, to steer a ship.
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Oxford English Dictionary: The first OED citation of this word in its grammatical sense is from 1530: "Pronownes be suche as … may governe verbes to be of lyke nombre and parson with them."
(Jehan Palsgrave, Lesclarcissement de la langue françoyse, 74) |