Most linguists agree that there is a particular feature of certain verbs like e.g.
want, begin, try or seem that sets them apart from other verbs: their ability to be
combined into chains of verbs, to 'catenate' (Lat. catena: chain).
(1) I don't want to have to be forced to begin to try to make more money. (Palmer
1987: 172)
The term usually used for these verbs is 'catenative verbs'. There remains
some form of disagreement about almost every aspect of these verbs, however,
ranging from the question which verbs actually are catenative, to the problem of
how to analyse or categorise them. Some linguists even question the need to
define a class of catenative verbs in the first place. Huddleston concedes that:
"This is one of the most difficult areas of English grammar and despite a great deal
of intensive study over the last twenty years there remains much disagreement over
the most basic aspects of the analysis."(Huddleston 1997: 209)
The treatment of the grammatical phenomena is further complicated by the
fact that linguists tend to introduce their own categories or descriptions for
existing categories. This is particularly evident in the argument of modals vs.
auxiliaries vs. operators.
An approach differing from that traditionally taken by grammarians is that
presented by Dieter Mindt who bases his observations on the analysis of a corpus
of actual language.
This paper gives an overview of the theories concerning catenative
verbs, their relation to the auxiliaries and their features of clause
complementation. Due to the scope of work that has been published, only the
main approaches will be considered. The field of semantics in particular would
merit a much closer look on the effects of sentence taxis.
Table of Contents
- 1 Introduction
- 2 Catenative Verbs
- 2.1 Definitions
- 2.2 Auxiliaries, modals, modifier, operator, quasi-modal
- 2.3 From finite to non-finite VP
- 2.4 Simple vs. complex verb phrases
- 3 Simple and complex catenatives
- 3.1 Simple catenatives
- 3.2 Complex catenatives
- 4 Classes and classification
- 4.1 Criteria for classification
- 4.2 Syntactical or semantic grouping
- 5 Conclusion / Summary
- 6 References
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to provide an overview of existing theories concerning catenative verbs in English, exploring their relationship with auxiliaries and their features of clause complementation. Due to the extensive research in this area, the paper focuses on the main approaches, acknowledging that a more in-depth analysis, particularly of semantic aspects, would require further investigation.
- Definitions and classifications of catenative verbs
- The distinction between catenative verbs and auxiliaries
- Syntactic and semantic analyses of catenative verb constructions
- Criteria for classifying and grouping catenative verbs
- Analysis of complex verb phrases involving catenatives
Chapter Summaries
1 Introduction: This introductory chapter establishes the central topic of the paper: catenative verbs in English. It highlights the existing debate and disagreement among linguists regarding the definition, classification, and analysis of these verbs. The chapter emphasizes the complexity of the issue and the need for a comprehensive overview of the various theoretical approaches. The author mentions the difficulty in establishing a clear-cut definition due to the diverse interpretations and conflicting classifications present in linguistic literature. The chapter serves as a foundation for subsequent discussions on the different theories and approaches to understanding catenative verbs.
2 Catenative Verbs: This chapter presents various definitions of catenative verbs from different linguistic perspectives, emphasizing the contrasting approaches and their implications. The definitions provided highlight the common characteristic of catenative verbs: their ability to combine with a following non-finite verb, forming chains of verbs. The discussion includes examples illustrating the inclusion of traditional auxiliary verbs within the category of catenative verbs as well as examples that demonstrate the differences in approach to auxiliary verbs. The chapter sets the stage for a more in-depth exploration of the complexities of catenative verb classification and analysis.
Keywords
Catenative verbs, English grammar, auxiliaries, clause complementation, syntactic analysis, semantic analysis, verb phrase, non-finite verbs, linguistic theory, corpus linguistics.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of Catenative Verbs
What is the main topic of this language preview?
This preview focuses on catenative verbs in English, exploring their definitions, classifications, and relationship with auxiliaries. It examines various theoretical approaches to understanding their syntactic and semantic properties.
What are catenative verbs?
Catenative verbs are verbs that can take another verb as a complement, forming a chain of verbs. The preview explores various definitions and the ongoing debate among linguists regarding their precise nature and classification. The preview highlights the difficulty in establishing a clear-cut definition because of conflicting interpretations in linguistic literature.
How are catenative verbs related to auxiliaries?
The preview examines the relationship between catenative verbs and auxiliaries, discussing whether and how auxiliaries should be included within the category of catenative verbs. It explores the distinctions and overlaps between these two types of verbs.
What are the key themes explored in this preview?
Key themes include definitions and classifications of catenative verbs, the distinction between catenative verbs and auxiliaries, syntactic and semantic analyses of catenative verb constructions, criteria for classifying and grouping catenative verbs, and analysis of complex verb phrases involving catenatives.
What is the structure of the preview?
The preview is structured into chapters covering an introduction, a detailed examination of catenative verbs including definitions and distinctions between simple and complex forms, classification criteria and approaches, and a concluding summary. It also includes a table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and a list of keywords.
What types of analyses are included in the preview?
The preview incorporates both syntactic and semantic analyses of catenative verb constructions. However, it acknowledges that a more in-depth analysis, particularly of semantic aspects, would require further investigation.
What are the chapter summaries about?
The chapter summaries provide an overview of each section's content. The introduction establishes the topic and highlights the complexities of defining and classifying catenative verbs. Chapter 2 explores different definitions and perspectives on catenative verbs and their relationship with auxiliaries. The preview also touches on the challenges of classification and grouping, and finally offers a conclusion and summary of the discussed points.
What are the key words associated with this preview?
The keywords include: Catenative verbs, English grammar, auxiliaries, clause complementation, syntactic analysis, semantic analysis, verb phrase, non-finite verbs, linguistic theory, corpus linguistics.
What is the overall aim of this preview?
The preview aims to provide a comprehensive overview of existing theories concerning catenative verbs in English. It seeks to present the main approaches to understanding these verbs without getting into excessive detail on any one approach. It acknowledges that a comprehensive analysis of every aspect would require extensive further research.
- Quote paper
- Jan Niehues (Author), 2005, Catenatives or complex VP - the debate about specific verbs in English, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/52296
