5.2. Word-formative and word-changing systems of the Verb
Word-changing system of the Verb is richer in comparison with other parts of speech.
There are two main means of word-changing of the Verb
Synthetic |
|
Analytical |
Is characteristic to inflective languages
For example: Work – works – worked |
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In English the Verb is the only part of speech which analytical forms
For example: Have worked, has been working, is working, etc. |
Drawing 5.1. Two main means of word-changing of the Verb
Word-formative system is rather poor.
T
here
are three main means of word-formation
of the Verb
Affixation |
Conversion |
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Reversion |
(adding an affix to create a verb) |
(a change from one part of speech into another) |
|
(returning to a former state by rejecting the suffix of a noun) |
1. The suffix -en (of the Germanic/Teutonic origin) For example: to redden
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For example: Water (the noun) – to water
A convict – to convict |
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For example: Sea-bathing – to sea-bathe
Blackmailer – to blackmail |
2. The suffix -y (of the Roman origin) |
|
||
For example: to magnify
|
|
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3. The suffix -ize (of ? origin) |
|||
For example: to mobilize |
Drawing 5.2. Three main means of word-formation of the Verb
5.3. Classification of verbs
There are three main classifications of verbs based on the different principles.
5.3.1. Morphological Classification
The classification is based on the Principle of Form (tab. 5.1).
Table 5.1
Scheme of Morphological Classification of Verbs
|
Verbs |
|
Regular |
Irregular |
|
Characteristics |
The stem of a verb + the suffix –ed
|
Past tenses and past participle are formed by other means (a word changes in its stem) |
Examples |
They invited us for a party. We have studied the problem. You have been asked an important question. |
He brought an exquisite book. She has gone to Liverpool We have been taught since our cradle. |
5.3.2. Semantic Classification
There are three main subclassifications that are based on the Principle of Meaning, both Lexical and Grammatical (tab. 5.2).
Table 5.2