In linguistics, valency or valence is the number and type of arguments controlled by a predicate, content verbs being typical predicates. Valency is the combining capacity of the elements to form compounds. During the formation of the molecules of the compounds, atoms combine in certain fixed proportions. Visit SpeakoClub to learn more about it.
Definition
The number of components in a phrase that are dependent on a verb is referred to as the verb's valency or valence in grammar. As an illustration, let's look at transitive and intransitive verbs. An intransitive verb, such as sleep, has a valency of one since only the subject is related to the verb. A transitive verb like "give" has a valency of two when both the subject and the direct object are attached to it, and three when there is also an indirect object.
However, impersonal verbs have zero valency. That is what distinguishes them. They simply take a topic because it is required by English grammar standards.
How to Find out Valency of Elements?
As we know, the number of electrons in the outermost shell of hydrogen is 1, and in magnesium, it is 2. Therefore, the valency of hydrogen is 1 as it can easily lose 1 electron and become stable. On the other hand, that of magnesium is 2 as it can lose 2 electrons easily and also attain stability.
Furthermore, it is not only determined when an atom loses an electron. For example, fluorine has 7 electrons in its outermost orbital. It is hard to lose 7 electrons and so it completes its octet by gaining 1 electron. Since it gains 1 electron, its valency is 1. In the periodic table, the elements in the same group have the same valency.
For example, all the elements in group 8 have 8 electrons and completely filled orbitals, that is why the valency of all the elements in this group is zero.
Conclusion
Valency is the number of components in a sentence that are dependent on a particular verb.
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