SYNTAXverbs

There are three derivational sufixes that are typical of class of verbs:-en : broaden, darken,

lengthen-ify : glorify, simplify, nullify-ize / ise : economize, nationalize,

scandalizeMost English verbs can add four inflexional morphemes to the base :1. {s3} : 3rd person singular present thense

indicative2. {ed1}: past tense3. {ed2}: -ed participle4. {ing} : -ing participle

The various verbal forms and their uses are exemplified in Table 2.5 (on the terms imperative, subjunctive, and indicative )

Form Use Examples

BASE 1. Infinitive

2. Imperative 3. Present tense indicative(except 3rd person singular)4. Present tense subjunctive

1. He must live in London. He used to live in London.2. Live now, pay later3. I/you/we/they live in

London.

4. Long live the Queen

BASE + {s3} 3rd person singular present tense indicative

He lives in London.

BASE + {ed1} Past tense He lived in London.

BASE + {ed2} -ed participle He has lived in London.

BASE + {ing}

-ing prticiple He is living in London.

Within the class of verbs two subclasses can be distinguished :Auxiliary verbs --- constitute a

closed classLexical verbs --- an open class

There are four major differences between lexical verbs and auxiliary verbs:

1. Lexical verbs require periphrastic do in negative sentences with not.Auxiliaries can co-occur with not and can have special contracted negative forms.

Lexical verbs require periphrastic do in negative sentences with not.

Auxiliaries can co-occur with not and can have special contracted negative forms.

Positive sentences Negative sentences

Frank likes hamburgers.

He can come tomorrow.

*Frank likes not hamburgers.

Frank does not like hamburgers.

He cannot {can’t} come tomorrow.

2. Lexical verbs require periphastic do in yes/no questions. In WH- questions where the WH- item is not the subject and in sentences opening with a negative adverbial.

Auxiliaries can come before the subject.

Auxiliary VerbsAs a rule an AV cannot stand on

its own.It must be followed by a lexical

verb, except in cases where the lexical verb (smetimes with other sentence constituents) is understood.