This parameter considers whether a language uses distinct strategies for the grammatical coding of nominal and locational predicates.[1] The two types of sentences should be compared in base form: (a) indicative mood, (b) present tense and/or the least marked aspect, and (c) third-person singular. [2] Languages in which the two structures are coded the same way are known as share languages, while those that use distinct structures are called split languages.

Types:

ShareLex: Nominal and locational predicates are formed with the same copula or auxiliary verb.[3]

ShareZero: Nominal and locational predicates are formed without the use of a copula or auxiliary verb.

ShareVbl: Both nominal and locational predicates are treated like verbs.[4]

SplitCopDiff: Both nominal and locational predicates are formed with a copula or auxiliary, but at least one copula or auxiliary used with nominal predicates is distinct from that used with locational predicates.[5]

SplitCopLoc: Locational predicates are formed with a copula or auxiliary; nominal predicates are not.

SplitCopNom: Nominal predicates are formed with a copula or auxiliary; locational predicates are not.

SplitNomVbl: Locational predicates are formed with a copula or auxiliary; nominal predicates function as verbs.

+Cmnt: Although the language displays the features a value listed above, additional information is needed to clarify its type.[6]

When a language displays more than one type in base form, two values can be listed. If one type is dominant, a slash (/) can separate the two values, with the dominant value appearing first; if neither is dominant, they are listed with an ampersand (&) separating the two. If a language displays different types in non-base form, the value +Cmnt should be added to the primary value and detailed in the commentary.[7]

[1] For example, My brother is a solider is a nominal predicate, while My brother is in the house is a locational predicate.

[2] If base form differs from any non-base forms, this can be noted by listing value  +Cmnt alongside the primary value. For example, Hungarian display features of SplitCopLoc only in base form; in other verbal tenses, moods, and persons, predicates behave according to the value ShareLex. This combination should be denoted as SplitCopLoc+Cmnt, with the details specified in the commentary.

[3] This parameter value is not compatible with the value NoCop in the parameter Use of copula with nominal predicate.

[4] These predicates appear in forms comparable to the verb conjugation of verbal predicates.

[5] This parameter value is not compatible with the value NoCop in the parameter Use of copula with nominal predicate.

[6] This parameter value can only be used alongside (following) another value.

[7] The following circumstances may also require the use of +Cmnt: (1) the type associated with base form may only apply to a limited set of possible copulas/auxiliaries; (2) although certain auxiliaries used with locational predicates can also be used with nominal predicates, other auxiliaries are more characteristic of nominal predication. If the value +Cmnt applies, the details must be specified in the commentary.