4.11 INS / MAN / MET

4.11.1 INS   (Instrument)
Definition:  Ins defines the instrument to carry out an event

Example 1

Comments on Example 1

This is a typical example of using “ins”, in this sentence “computer” is playing the role of an instrument. As we explained in 4.1 a “computer” also can be an agent ("agt"). For example in sentences “This computer works normally” or “Computers can solve it quicker”, “computers” plays the role of an agent ("agt"). This can be said for all concrete things. 

If a thing is seen as initiator of the action, "agt" should be used, but if the initiator of the action is other, then "ins" should be used for such a thing.

Difference between Instrument ("ins") and Method ("met")

It is clear the difference with the method ("met") relation: instrument ("ins") is for concrete things, method ("met") is defined for abstract things. Example 3 shows an example of "met".

Example 2

Comments on Example 2

If an UW “use” is used between “cut” and “knife” like "It is cut by using a knife", method ("met") is used between "cut” and “use”. Its UNL is shown in example 3.

Instrument ("ins") also could be understood as the object of the UW (like "use" as in Example 3) used as method ("met") of an action. Example 3 is such an example. 

Example 3

4.11.2 MAN  (Manner)
Definition:  Man defines the way to carry out an event or characteristics of a state

I.e., an UW that corresponds to an adverb of English can be used as a manner ("man") when it modifies an adjective, an adverb or a verb.

Example 1 : an adverb modifying an adjective

Example 2 : an adverb modifying a verb and being modified by another adverb

4.11.3 MET  (Method or Means)
Definition:  Met defines the means to carry out an event

A verbal concept or a style, a way or a method can be method ("met") of UNL.

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Comments on Example 4

Instead of “on foot”, it is possible to use “walk”.

Last updated : 2000/09/21