Light verb: Difference between revisions

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In generative grammar, a '''light verb''' is a verb that doesn't contribute much semantic content, but plays a more structural role. Its meaning is dependent on the meaning of its complement. For example, in English, "Mary kisses John" can be rephrased as "Mary gives John a kiss" with a light verb "give".
In generative grammar, a '''light verb''' is a verb that doesn't contribute much semantic content, but plays a more structural role. Its meaning is dependent on the meaning of its complement. For example, in English, "Mary kisses John" can be rephrased as "Mary gives John a kiss" with a light verb "give".


In a syntax tree, light verbs are denoted 𝑣 ("'''little v'''") and "light verb phrases" are denoted 𝑣P.
In a [[syntax]] tree, light verbs are denoted 𝑣 ("'''little v'''") and "light verb phrases" are denoted 𝑣P.


This verb may be an actual word, but sometimes it's an unpronounced node in the syntax tree that we know exists by analogy with other languages.
This verb may be an actual word, but sometimes it's an unpronounced node in the syntax tree that we know exists by analogy with other languages.