Microsoft Word Theoretical Course of English Grammar

Nino Kirvalidze
38
4.
 
Structural classes of verbs
Verbs are characterized by specific forms of word-building. The verb stems may be sim-
ple, derived, composite and phrasal.
a)
Simple or root verbs consist of a content morpheme that cannot be analyzed any fur-
ther into smaller parts. Such verbs are not numerous. For instance: 
ask, go, play, take, tell, 
declare, etc.
b)
Derived verbs fall into four subclasses according to their word-building peculiarities:

Derived verbs, which are formed by means of conversion (zero-suffixation). The most 
common type of conversion is “noun – verb” conversion, such as: 
a cloud – to cloud
, 
a 
house – to house
, 
a park – to park
, 
a book – to book,
etc. 

The sound-replacive type of derivation. Cf.: food – to feed, blood – to bleed;

The stress-replacive type of derivation which is unproductive. Cf.: 
'import – to 
im'port
, 
'transport – to trans'port
, etc.

Derived verbs, which are formed by means of affixation (a root morpheme + an affix: 
prefix or suffix), represent the most common type of derivation. 
There are many different derivational prefixes used to form new verbs in English. The 
most common derivational prefixes, in order of frequency of occurrence, are: 
prefix meaning of prefix examples 
re- again
rearm, rebuild, redefine, refinance, rename
dis- opposite, apart
disarm, disconnect, discontinue, dislike
over- too much, across, beyond
overcome, overeat, overtire, overwork
un- opposite, in reverse
unbend, uncouple, unfold, unload, unpack
mis- wrong, poorly
misinform, mispronounce, misunderstand
out- beyond, further
outbid, outdo, outgrow, outweigh 
There are only a few derivational suffixes used for verb formation. The suffixes are listed 
below in order of frequency of occurrence: 

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Theoretical Course of English Grammar 
Script by prof. 
Nino Kirvalidze
39
suffix meaning of suffix examples 
-ize/-ise
2
to (cause to) become
computerize, energize, realize, stabilize
-en to (cause to) become
awaken, flatten, lengthen, moisten
-ate to (cause to) become
activate, congratulate, liquidate, regulate
-(i)fy to (cause to) become
beautify, codify, exemplify, notify
c) Compound or composite verbs consist of two or more roots:
blackmail, broadcast, whi-
tewash, 
etc. 
d) Phrasal verbs are represented by two specific types: 
the first
is a combination of the 
head verb 
have, give
and 
take
(occasionally some others) with a noun. This type of phrasal 
verbs has as its equivalent an ordinary simple verb. Cf.:
to have a smoke – to smoke; to give a 
smile – to smile; to take a stroll – to stroll.
The second
is a combination of a head-verb with a preposition that has a specifying value. 
Cf.: 
stand up, go on, give in, give up, get along, 
etc.