F, Function words, determiners, conjunctions, prepositions, pronouns, auxiliary verbs, modals, qualifiers, question words. G. grammar, E, English Grammar

What are Function Words?

Function words include determiners, conjunctions, prepositions, pronouns, auxiliary verbs, modals, qualifiers, and question words. Content words are words with specific meanings, such as nouns, adjectives, adverbs, and main verbs (those without helping verbs.)

E, erg verb, ergative verbs, V, Verbs, ambitransitive verbs

 MrSkypelessons
David Nicholls

ERGATIVE VERBS

1) the weather was changed (by whom). << incorrect
2) the weather changed. << correct

3) We broke down. (Our car broke down on the motorway) -- break down - intransitive verb
4) I sneezed. (sneeze -- no object) intransitive verb

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

AMBITRANSITIVE

the verbs read, understand may be used either (transitively and intransitively)
5) I've read the book. ('the book' is an object) -- transitive
6) I've been reading for ages. -- intransitive

7) I understand -- intransitive (no object)
8) I understand you -- transitive verb (you is the object)

ERGATIVE (object of an intransitive verb can be the subject of the intransitive verb)

1) Dave closed the shop. -- active (close is an ergative verb)

2) The shop closed. -- active (close is an ergative verb - transitive verb 'close' used intransitively)

3) The shop was closed. (by Dave) -- passive