Blake states that Shakespeare is like food and that we take both very much for granted. It is only when we come across a passage of particular intensity in a play that we question how the language has been employed to achieve that result, just as it is only for exotic dishes that we enquire about the ingredients (1983:1).
It is definitely astonishing how the English Language has been influenced by this incredible playwright and poet. However, it is noticeable that the English Language has changed significantly since the Renaissance. Baugh and Cable (1993:235) argue that “the English grammar in the 16th and early 17th century is marked more by the survival of certain forms, constructions and usages that have since [then] disappeared than by any fundamental developments”.
Therefore, I want to show that the syntax of the verb phrase has changed since Elizabethan times. To achieve this, I will compare verb phrases in this term paper which occur in some of Shakespeare’s plays with Modern English verb phrases. First of all, I will define the term “verb phrase”. After that we will focus on transitive and intransitive verbs. Transitivity and intransitivity will be examined – and we will analyze how its usage has changed since Shakespearian times. Thirdly, I will talk about impersonal verbs and afterwards we will study reflexive verbs and the mediopassive. Finally, the passive, inchoative and reflexive meaning of transitive verbs will be discussed. The focus will be on the change or the disappearance of these constructions which occurred between the 16th century and today.
I will use some Shakespearian plays which will provide a basis in order to illustrate and to underline my arguments.
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Syntax Changing of the Verb Phrase from Shakespearian English to the Present
- 2.1 The Verb Phrase
- 2.2 Transitive and Intransitive Verbs
- 2.3 Impersonal Verbs
- 2.4 Reflexive Verbs
- 2.5 Mediopassive (The Sentence Type "The book sells well")
- 2.6 Passive, Inchoative or Reflexive Meaning of Transitive Verbs
- 3. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to demonstrate the evolution of English verb phrase syntax from Shakespearean English to Modern English. The analysis focuses on the changes in the usage of various verb types and constructions.
- The definition and characteristics of the verb phrase.
- The shift in usage of transitive and intransitive verbs.
- The evolution and current usage of impersonal verbs.
- The development of reflexive verbs and the mediopassive voice.
- The changes in the passive, inchoative, and reflexive meanings of transitive verbs.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the paper by highlighting the often-overlooked evolution of the English language, particularly since Shakespeare's time. It emphasizes the significant grammatical shifts that have occurred, contrasting the flexibility of 16th- and 17th-century English grammar with the more standardized grammar of Modern English. The chapter establishes the paper's objective: to analyze the syntactic changes in the verb phrase between these two periods, using Shakespeare's plays as a primary source for illustrating the differences.
2. Syntax Changing of the Verb Phrase from Shakespearian English to the Present: This chapter delves into the core topic of the paper. It begins by defining the verb phrase, outlining its essential components (lexical verbs, auxiliaries, and adjuncts) and its function within a sentence. The chapter then explores the differences between transitive and intransitive verbs in Shakespearean English versus Modern English, providing examples of how Shakespeare employed verbs in ways that are no longer common. The subsequent sections examine impersonal, reflexive verbs, the mediopassive voice, and the evolving meanings of transitive verbs, comparing their usage across both historical periods. The overarching theme is the increasing standardization and regularization of verb phrase syntax in Modern English compared to the more flexible and varied usage in Shakespeare's time.
Keywords
English verb phrase, Shakespearean English, Modern English, syntax, transitivity, intransitivity, impersonal verbs, reflexive verbs, mediopassive, passive voice, inchoative, grammatical evolution.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Study of English Verb Phrase Syntax
What is the main topic of this academic paper?
This paper analyzes the evolution of English verb phrase syntax from Shakespearean English to Modern English. It focuses on the changes in the usage of various verb types and constructions, highlighting the shift from a more flexible and varied system in Shakespeare's time to a more standardized system in Modern English.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
The paper explores several key themes, including: the definition and characteristics of the verb phrase; the shift in usage of transitive and intransitive verbs; the evolution and current usage of impersonal verbs; the development of reflexive verbs and the mediopassive voice; and the changes in the passive, inchoative, and reflexive meanings of transitive verbs.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into three main chapters: an introduction, a core chapter detailing the syntactic changes in the verb phrase, and a conclusion. The core chapter further breaks down the analysis into subsections focusing on specific verb types and constructions (transitive/intransitive verbs, impersonal verbs, reflexive verbs, mediopassive voice, and the evolving meanings of transitive verbs).
What sources are used in the paper?
While not explicitly stated, the introduction mentions that Shakespeare's plays are used as a primary source for illustrating the differences between Shakespearean English and Modern English verb phrase syntax.
What are the key differences between Shakespearean English and Modern English verb phrase syntax highlighted in this paper?
The paper highlights the increasing standardization and regularization of verb phrase syntax in Modern English compared to the more flexible and varied usage in Shakespeare's time. Specific differences are explored across various verb types (transitive, intransitive, impersonal, reflexive) and constructions (mediopassive, passive voice).
What are the objectives of this paper?
The paper aims to demonstrate the evolution of English verb phrase syntax from Shakespearean English to Modern English by analyzing the changes in the usage of various verb types and constructions.
What keywords are associated with this paper?
The keywords include: English verb phrase, Shakespearean English, Modern English, syntax, transitivity, intransitivity, impersonal verbs, reflexive verbs, mediopassive, passive voice, inchoative, grammatical evolution.
What is the scope of the analysis regarding the time period?
The analysis compares Shakespearean English (16th-17th centuries) with Modern English.
Where can I find more detailed information about the changes in each verb type?
The detailed analysis of the changes in each verb type (transitive, intransitive, impersonal, reflexive, etc.) is presented in Chapter 2, "Syntax Changing of the Verb Phrase from Shakespearian English to the Present," which is further subdivided into sections focusing on each specific verb type and construction.
What is the significance of this study?
This study contributes to a deeper understanding of the evolution of the English language and the significant grammatical shifts that have occurred since Shakespeare's time. It highlights the often-overlooked changes in verb phrase syntax and provides a structured analysis of these changes.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Dominik Lorenz (Autor:in), 2008, Syntax changing of the verb phrase from Shakespearian English to the present, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/115417
