Prenominales

Prenominales are a linguistic phenomenon primarily observed in certain Romance languages, particularly in informal speech. They are adverbs or adverbial phrases that precede the verb they modify. This placement is often used for emphasis or to convey a particular tone, such as surprise or certainty. For example, in French, one might say "Je sais bien" (I know well) instead of the more neutral "Je le sais bien" (I know it well), where "bien" acts as a prenominale emphasizing the speaker's knowledge.

The concept of prenominales is distinct from typical adverb placement, which often occurs after the verb or at the beginning or end of a sentence. Prenominales are more closely tied to the verb, almost as if they are part of a compound verb structure, though they retain their independent adverbial meaning. Their usage is generally restricted to spoken language and can sound unnatural or even incorrect in formal written contexts.

The exact classification and analysis of prenominales can vary among linguists. Some consider them to be a form of "verb fronting," while others view them as a specific type of adverbial preposing. Regardless of the theoretical approach, their function is consistently to highlight or intensify the meaning of the verb through their prominent position. The presence of prenominales can also be a regional or social marker, indicating a particular dialect or register of speech.