This collection of essays by some of the leading scholars in the field sheds new light on the verb in English. The central concern of the volume is to illustrate that verbs can only be adequately and properly understood if studied from both a theoretical and descriptive perspective. In part one, theoretical topics are explored: terminological problems of classifying verbs and verb-related elements, the 'determining' properties of verbs, verb complementation, the semantics and pragmatics of verbs and verbal combinations, and the notions of tense, aspect, voice and modality. In part two, computer corpora are used to study various types of verb complements and collocations, to trace the development in English of certain verb forms and to detail the usage of verbs in different varieties and genres of English.

Theoretical and descriptive perspectives on the verb in English by some of the top scholars in the field.
Reviews
"This is a book for those interested in the structure and history of verbs in English. It is a varied presentation of current theoretical and descriptive work in English grammar and provides some valuable insights." Eduardo D. Faingold, Canadian Journal of Linguistics



Book Information
ISBN 9780521026543
Author Bas Aarts
Format Paperback
Page Count 328
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 508g
Dimensions(mm) 228mm * 151mm * 20mm