Abstract
This paper examines cognate object (CO) constructions such as those in (1).(1)a.Dorothea smiled a smile.b.Dorothea smiled a wicked smile.c.Dorothea has smiled all her smiles.The central question which is raised by such constructions regards the status of the CO with respect to both its syntax and its semantics. That this question is not a new one, nor one confined to theoretical linguistics is seen in Harper’s English Grammar where we read: “Some authorities . . . contend that cognate verbs — verbs which are followed by objects that repeat their meaning — are intransitive. However the verbs in such expressions asHe slept a peaceful sleepandHe lived a useful lifeare by the majority of grammarians regarded as transitive verbs” (Opdycke 1941:106).
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: Canadian Journal of Linguistics/Revue canadienne de linguistique
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
