Resultative verbs are a fascinating aspect of the English language that can add depth and clarity to your communication. If you’re learning English, understanding resultative verbs can significantly enhance your ability to describe actions and their outcomes. This article will delve into the intricacies of resultative verbs, providing you with a comprehensive understanding of their function, usage, and examples.
What are Resultative Verbs?
Resultative verbs are verbs that indicate not just an action but also its result or outcome. These verbs often consist of two parts: the main verb and a resultative adjective or phrase that describes the state achieved by the action. For example, in the sentence “She painted the wall red,” “painted” is the main verb, and “red” is the resultative adjective describing the state of the wall after the action.
Key Components of Resultative Verbs
1. **Main Verb**: This is the primary action being performed.
2. **Resultative Adjective/Phrase**: This describes the state or condition that results from the action.
The combination of these two components allows for a more nuanced and detailed description of events.
Types of Resultative Constructions
Resultative constructions can be broadly categorized into two types:
1. **Subject-Oriented Resultatives**
2. **Object-Oriented Resultatives**
Subject-Oriented Resultatives
In subject-oriented resultatives, the resultative phrase describes the subject of the sentence. For example:
– “The river froze solid.”
– “He worked himself tired.”
In these examples, the resultative adjective (“solid,” “tired”) describes the state of the subject (“the river,” “he”) after the action.
Object-Oriented Resultatives
In object-oriented resultatives, the resultative phrase describes the object of the sentence. For example:
– “She painted the door blue.”
– “He hammered the metal flat.”
Here, the resultative adjective (“blue,” “flat”) describes the state of the object (“the door,” “the metal”) after the action.
Formation of Resultative Constructions
Creating resultative constructions involves combining a main verb with a suitable resultative adjective or phrase. Here are some common patterns:
Adjective Resultatives
These are the most straightforward resultative constructions, where an adjective describes the result of the action:
– “The chef cooked the steak rare.”
– “She wiped the table clean.”
Prepositional Phrase Resultatives
In some cases, a prepositional phrase can serve as the resultative phrase:
– “He cut the bread into slices.”
– “She shaped the clay into a bowl.”
Adverbial Resultatives
Adverbial resultatives are less common but still useful. They use adverbs to describe the result of the action:
– “He hammered the nail down.”
– “She pushed the door open.”
Common Resultative Verbs and Phrases
Some verbs frequently appear in resultative constructions. Here are a few examples along with their common resultative phrases:
Clean
– “She scrubbed the floor clean.”
– “He wiped the counter spotless.”
Make
– “She made him happy.”
– “The news made her sad.”
Paint
– “They painted the house white.”
– “She painted the canvas black.”
Cut
– “He cut the paper into pieces.”
– “She cut the fabric to size.”
Why Use Resultative Verbs?
Resultative verbs offer several advantages in both spoken and written English. They:
1. **Add Clarity**: By specifying the result of an action, resultative verbs make sentences more precise.
2. **Enhance Description**: They enrich your descriptions, making your language more vivid and engaging.
3. **Improve Efficiency**: Resultative constructions often allow you to convey complex ideas succinctly.
Challenges and Common Mistakes
Despite their advantages, resultative verbs can be challenging for language learners. Here are some common pitfalls and tips to avoid them:
Incorrect Adjective Choice
Choosing the wrong adjective can lead to confusion. Make sure the adjective you choose accurately describes the result of the action. For example, “She wiped the table dry” is correct, while “She wiped the table red” is not, unless you mean she painted it red.
Misplaced Resultative Phrase
The resultative phrase should immediately follow the object it describes. For example, “He cut the bread into slices” is correct, while “He cut into slices the bread” is awkward and confusing.
Overuse of Resultative Constructions
While resultative verbs are useful, overusing them can make your writing or speech sound repetitive. Use them judiciously to maintain variety in your language.
Practical Exercises
To master resultative verbs, practice is essential. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Identify the Resultative Construction
Read the following sentences and identify the main verb and the resultative phrase:
1. “She brushed the dog clean.”
2. “He painted the fence green.”
3. “They made the room cozy.”
4. “The chef cooked the meat well-done.”
Exercise 2: Create Your Own Sentences
Write sentences using the following verbs and resultative phrases:
1. Wipe (clean)
2. Make (happy)
3. Cut (into slices)
4. Paint (blue)
Exercise 3: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. “She washed the car dry.”
2. “He hammered into shape the metal.”
3. “They made the cake delicious.”
4. “She painted the room to blue.”
Advanced Considerations
Once you’re comfortable with basic resultative constructions, you can explore more advanced aspects, such as:
Complex Resultatives
These involve more than one resultative phrase or a combination of resultative phrases and other elements:
– “He kicked the door open and left it ajar.”
– “She cleaned the house spotless and rearranged the furniture neatly.”
Resultatives in Different Tenses
Resultative constructions can be used in various tenses to describe past, present, or future actions and their results:
– Past: “She had painted the fence white before they arrived.”
– Present: “He is cutting the paper into stars.”
– Future: “They will make the presentation perfect.”
Resultatives in Passive Voice
Resultative constructions can also appear in passive voice, although they are less common:
– “The wall was painted red by her.”
– “The metal was hammered flat by him.”
Conclusion
Resultative verbs are a powerful tool in the English language, enabling you to describe actions and their outcomes with precision and clarity. By understanding their structure and practicing their use, you can significantly enhance your English communication skills. Remember to choose the correct adjectives, place resultative phrases appropriately, and use them judiciously to maintain variety in your language.
With consistent practice, you’ll find that resultative verbs become a natural part of your linguistic repertoire, allowing you to express yourself more effectively and vividly. So, take the time to explore and experiment with resultative constructions, and watch your English proficiency soar.
