Partial modification of verbal semantics of set verbal substantive phrases compared to the semantics of corresponding monolexeme verbs in the English language

Abstract

Tendency to nominalization is of great importance in the English language. Many linguists connect the brightly expressed tendency to nominalization in English with the analytism of the English language system and some specific processes in the history of the English language development. Nominalization processes as a sign of language variation at different levels of its structure are quite active, which makes the study of different aspects of their functioning quite relevant. The aim of this article is analyze functioning and interrelationship of set verbal substantive phrases and correlated monolexeme verbs, especially partial modification of verbal semantics of set verbal substantive phrases in the English language. Set verbal substantive phrases are considered as phrases consisting of a transitive verb and a verbal noun,  the peculiarity of which lies in the fact that they are characterized by a whole meaning which is obtained from the meaning of the included words and is related to only one referent, not two. That is why the equivalents of set verbal substantive phrases are often monolexeme verbs which are derivationally related to the substantive component. The carried-out study demonstrates that set verbal substantive phrases may differ from correlated monolexeme verbs primarily in semantics receiving some additional semantic load.

Specificity of many set verbal substantive phrases lies in the fact that purposefulness or deliberate character of the action, additional lexical shade of action manifestation intensivity, action effectiveness shade, differentiated expression of directed action, emphasis and the like are expressed with their help. Set verbal substantive phrases may express additional grammatical meanings, such aspectual characteristics as multiplicity, partiality and the like. Besides aspectuality set verbal substantive phrases as disjointed nominatives can also express voice relations and play an important role in refilling and widening Passive field with lexical grammatical constituents.

The study proves that process nomination disjoint in two components – verbal and nominal – isn`t accidental and provides for solving a number of communicative tasks.