"catenative verb" 的定义和意义

What is a "catenative verb"?

A catenative verb is a type of verb that can be followed by another verb in its base form or its gerund form, allowing for the expression of complex actions or sequences. These verbs form a chain, where the first verb connects to the second, creating a meaningful relationship between them. For example, in the sentence "She wants to go to the park," the verb "wants" is a catenative verb followed by the base form "to go." Another example is "They enjoy swimming," where "enjoy" is followed by the gerund form "swimming." Catenative verbs are important for constructing sentences that convey intentions, preferences, or ongoing actions, allowing for greater flexibility and richness in expression.