Provide examples of each variant.

SEMINAR 6

THE VERB

Theoretical comment

The verb as a notional word denoting process. Its formal and functional properties. The complexity of the grammatical system of the verb. The category of finitude: finite and non-finite forms of the verb.

Grammatically relevant subclasses of the verb; notional and semi-notional verbs. The features of semi-notional verbs: link verbs, modal verbs; auxiliary verbs and their status. Classifications of notional verbs: actional and statal; terminative and non-terminative; objective and non-objective.

The problem of “subclass migration” (transition) of verbs.

Practice

Provide equivalents for these terms.

finitude	actional / statal
finite forms of the verb (finites)	terminative / non-terminative
non-finite forms of the verb (verbids, verbals)	predicate
conjugation	predicator
notional / semi-notional	predicative
verbid introducer	predication

2. Group the verbs according to their outward structure. Comment on productiveness/non-productiveness of their word-forming means:

SIMPLE	SOUND-REPLACIVE	STRESS-REPLACIVE
EXPANDED	COMPOSITE	PHRASAL

Befriend, need, bleed, shall, babysit, prove, transport, cold-shoulder, remove, enlarge, keep up, signify, harden, take after, bottle, refuse, produce, dine, free, feed, knock, come up with, escort, take a step, window-shop, ad-lib.

3. Identify the subclass correspondence of the following verbs. Remember that different semantic variants may refer to different subclasses, e.g.:

to be – 1) notional: I’m glad to be here.

2) semi-notional:

a) link: Be quiet.

b) modal: You are to stay here.

3) auxiliary: He is sleeping.

Provide examples of each variant.

to do, to have, can, to turn, to spend, to grow, to expect, to continue, to prove, to fall, to get, to feel

4. Identify the notional, auxiliary, link, modal and semi-notional verbid introducer verbs in the following sentences. Specify their semantics, if possible:

1) Bill was apt to get excited if anyone argued with him. 2) Elizabeth tried the coat on, but it didn’t fit.3) I expected to catch an earlier train. 4) He failed to understand her meaning. 5) I haven’t seen such a good film on TV for ages! 6) John tried to open the front door with the wrong key. 7) I began to paint the room last week. 8) The child shouldn’t have been given that dangerous toy to play with. 9) Harry did little work, so he failed his exam. 10) I prefer coffee at breakfast, if you don’t mind. 11) Sarah is likely to come but isn’t absolutely sure. 12) Most people prefer to drink hot tea. 13) She expected her boyfriend at half past eight. 14) As it’s rather late, I’ve got to get home now. 15) The windows were in need of a good wash. 16) Truth will out.

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