Compound Verbs
A compound verb is a single unit made up of a verb, noun,
adjective, or preposition followed by another verb. They are less common than
verbs formed by adding prefixes or suffixes. There are different types based on
their structure:
1. Verb-Verb (VV):
- Examples: stir-fry,
freeze-dry.
2. Noun-Verb (NV):
- Examples: hand-carry,
air-tight, steam-clean.
3. Adjective-Verb (AV):
- Examples: dry-fruit,
clear-cut.
4. Preposition-Verb (PV):
- Examples: understand,
outreach, overdraw.
However, the preposition-verb type (PV) is the most widespread.
Compounds with under-, over-, and out- often don't need special classification.
These compounds usually have a verb as the last part, and the
overall meaning is a variation of the activity the last element represents.
They are called "right-headed," with the rightmost element being the
head.
In linguistic terms, a multi-word compound acting as a single verb
is a compound verb or complex predicate. It consists of a light verb (conveying
inflections) and a primary component (verb or noun, determining most of the
meaning).
There are two categories of complex predicates:
1. V+V Compounds:
- Compound verbs with a
second "light verb" after a primary or "heavy verb."
- Dropping the light verb
doesn't significantly change grammar or meaning.
2. N+V Compounds:
- Combines a noun and a
verb, turning the noun into a verbal structure.
- The noun determines
arguments and semantics, while the verb carries tense markers.
- Examples include phrases
like "go for a walk" or "commit suicide."
- Common across languages.
It's important to distinguish compound verbs from serial verbs
(denoting a series of events) and combinations of main and auxiliary verbs.
Overall, understanding these compound structures adds depth to linguistic
analysis.
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