A Data-based Analysis of the Formation of Phrasal Verbs in English

초록

This study aims to identify linguistic tendencies or regularities underlying verb-particle combinations in relation to linguistic factors that characterize the formation of phrasal verbs in English. The data analysis of 1,762 phrasal verbs reveals that certain non-verbal elements tend to be preferred for the creation of phrasal verbs, and particular types of verbs are predominantly used in formulating two- and three-word verbs. In particular, certain non-verbal elements tend to behave as more particle- or less particle-like in their meaning and use. In addition, the analysis reveals that the predominant use of mono-syllabic verbs with minimal indication of the manner of motion can contribute to the degree of productivity of phrasal verbs, creating a compositional unit, and that the high frequency of occurrence of transparent phrasal verbs may be also attributable to the high compositionality of verb-particle combinations in English. Finally, this study claims that the high productive patterns of verb-particle constructions are not arbitrary but are the product of cognitive processes and creative strategies by virtue of the semantic or pragmatic compositionality of certain particles and verbs for the purpose of maximizing language production.

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