Grammar: Groups & phrases: Verb group: Structure of the verb group
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Double verb constructions | |
Combining two verb groups in a verb group complex: Form and function
The function of the verb group complex in the clause is to express the 'happening' in the clause just like any other verb group does. However, since the form of the double verb construction is unlike that of verb groups consisting of main verb plus optional auxiliary verb and/or modal auxiliary verb, we need to state the functions of its elements:
| Form | Function |
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verb groups in double verb construction (verb group complex) |
The two verb groups stand in a relationship to each other which is like that of two clauses related by 'binding', eg Miss Lee called on Granny Gong, which was very smart of her. The first verb group (tries in tries to paint) is primary and the second one (to paint in tries to paint) is secondary. |
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