Partitive
adjective
Related to a grammatical concept where something is not seen as a whole but in parts.
In the sentence 'I only want some of the cake', 'some' is a partitive word.
Often appears as...
- 'partitive case'
- 'partitive article'
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A word or phrase in a sentence showing that something is divided into parts.
In English grammar, 'few', 'many', and 'several' are examples of partitives.
Often appears as...
- 'use of partitive'
- 'partitive expression'
Usage tips
Academic
adjective
Related to a grammatical concept where something is not seen as a whole but in parts.
In the sentence 'I only want some of the cake', 'some' is a partitive word.
Often appears as...
- 'partitive case'
- 'partitive article'
Usage tips
Academic
noun
A word or phrase in a sentence showing that something is divided into parts.
In English grammar, 'few', 'many', and 'several' are examples of partitives.
Often appears as...
- 'use of partitive'
- 'partitive expression'
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Fractional Quantities
Partitives show fractional quantities, often used with food, substances, or abstract ideas.
I drank some of the water.
Pro Tip 2/3Indefinite Quantities
Use partitives when the exact amount is unknown or unimportant.
She did part of the work.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Sensitivity
Partitives can change meaning with context; 'some' can imply a small or a large amount.
I need some nails for this project.
Pro Tip 1/3Fractional Quantities
Partitives show fractional quantities, often used with food, substances, or abstract ideas.
I drank some of the water.
Pro Tip 2/3Indefinite Quantities
Use partitives when the exact amount is unknown or unimportant.
She did part of the work.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Sensitivity
Partitives can change meaning with context; 'some' can imply a small or a large amount.
I need some nails for this project.
Pro Tip 1/3Fractional Quantities
Partitives show fractional quantities, often used with food, substances, or abstract ideas.
I drank some of the water.
Pro Tip 2/3Indefinite Quantities
Use partitives when the exact amount is unknown or unimportant.
She did part of the work.
Pro Tip 3/3Context Sensitivity
Partitives can change meaning with context; 'some' can imply a small or a large amount.
I need some nails for this project.
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