4 - Grammar

1. De-lexical verbs.

Note that we can often substitute a single verb eg to argue with a common (or de-lexical) verb like to have, to make, to give + noun

  • they were arguing they were having an argument
  • they rowed they had a row
  • she decided she made a decision

We use the noun form (argument, decision) particularly when we want to qualify it.

  • they were having a heated argument
  • they had a bitter row
  • she made an important decision

Change the sentences below to the appropriate form of de-lexical verb + noun, using the adjective provided.

Original
 (verb have) Check
You should talk about your problems.
(serious) ?
After the argument she cried.
(good) ?
We needed to communicate.
(desperate) ?
She and I chatted about our relationship.
(friendly) ?
I thought about our marriage.
(long hard) ?

Original
 (verb give) Check
The counsellor lectured us about our marriage.
(long) ?
He advised us.
(good) ?
She was sorry so I kissed her.
(sloppy) ?
And she hugged me.
(big) ?

Original
 (verb make) Check
She commented about my driving.
(rude) ?
I attempted to calm down.
(pathetic) ?
She promised to be nicer in future.
(sincere) ?

 

2. Use exercise 1 to complete this table by dragging words from the box.