Catenative Verbs
Catenative verbs, also known as chain verbs, are followed by other verbs to form a chain of two or more verbs. In this lesson, we will discuss them in detail.
What Are Catenative Verbs?
Catenative verbs (also known as chain verbs) link with other verbs and form a chain of two or more verbs.
Catenative is derived from the Latin word 'catena.' It means 'chain.'
Any main verb (not auxiliary or modal verbs) that can come after another main verb is a catenative verb.
What Can Follow a Catenative Verb?
Verbs that can follow a catenative verb are:
Take a look at an example:
I
Tip!
Theoretically, a large number of catenative verbs can come in one chain.
He
Catenative Verb Complement: To-infinitives
Most of the catenative verbs can be followed by a to-infinitive, such as:
- agree
- want
- ask
- decide
- demand
- choose
- dare
- expect
- hope
- happen
Take a look at some examples:
He expects
We agreed
I chose
Catenative Verb Complement: Bare Infinitives
an example of three verbs in a row
A limited number of catenative verbs can be followed by bare infinitives, such as:
- hear
- make
- help
- let
I learned that you just have to let
I'm coming to help
He didn't have any money so he just had to make
Catenative Verb Complement: Present Participles
Many catenative verbs can be followed by the present participle, such as:
- go
- suggest
- admit
- stop
- avoid
- consider
- help
- enjoy
- look forward to
- mention
I couldn't
The bullet went
I stopped
Catenative Verbs + To-infinitive or Present Participle
Some catenative verbs can be followed by the to-infinitive or the present participle. Sometimes there is a change in meaning, sometimes not.
- Verbs with no significant change in meaning:
- love
- start
- begin
- continue
- hate
- prefer
- like
They continued
I love
- Verbs with significant change in meaning:
- go on
- regret
- need
- come
- remember
- try
He
I
Catenative Verb Complement: Past Participles
One catenative verb can be followed by the past participle:
Get
Let's get
False Catenatives
Every verb following another verb cannot automatically be considered a catenative structure. Let's take a look at the example:
He trained
Here, 'to improve' is an infinitive of purpose, rather than a to-infinitive that serves as the complement of a catenative verb.
I stopped
Complex Catenative Structure
If a catenative verb has an object, usually the object comes between the catenative verb and the second verb. It is still considered to be a catenative structure, for example:
He
In this sentence, the object 'me' is placed between the catenative verb 'wants' and the to-infinitive verb, 'to try'.
I
Review
Catenative verbs are verbs that work as a chain. They follow each other to make meaningful sentences. Verbs that can follow a catenative verb in the set of verbs are:
- to-infinitives
- bare infinitives
- present participles
- past participles
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