_{Syntactic Theory}

The Verb

Tests to identify verbs

• semantic test:
  • Verbs refer to actions
• morphological test:
  • Verbs can combine with a 3rd singular inflection (-(e)s)
  • Verbs can combine with a past tense inflection (-ed)
  • Verbs can combine with -ing (in the contexts: __-ing can be fun, Pat was __-ing)
• syntactic test
  • Verbs can occur directly after can:
    They can __ ...
  • Verbs can occur directly after wanted to
    Pat wanted to __ ...

Or continue here to learn about problems with these definitions.

Categories: Glossary