Category: Grammar

We form catenative verbs by combining a main verb and one or more other main verbs. Thereby, forming a verb chain.

We combine catenative verbs with other verbs among one or more of these three verb forms: infinitive (bare and to-infinitive), -ing, or past participle.

How to Form Catenative Verbs

Catenative Verb + Main Verb 2

• In theory, there is really no limit to the number of catenative verbs in one chain.

2 verbs: The children like to try to feed the zoo animals.

3 verbs: He doesn’t want to have to go to the airport too early.

5 verbs: She decided to enroll to start learning to cook Mediterranean dishes.

Catenative Verb + Infinitive

• Combine the catenative verb and bare infinitives: hear (say/tell), help, let (go), make (do).

We hear tell that the department head had stepped down.

Please help clean up the garage.

In times of a crisis, make do of what you have.

• You can also put the catenative verb together with to-infinitives: afford, agree, aim, appear to, apply, arrange, ask, beg, care, choose, claim, condescend, consent, contract, contrive, dare, decide, decline, demand, deserve, determine, endeavor, expect, fail, happen to, help, hesitate, hope, long, manage, mean, offer, prepare, pretend, promise, refuse, resolve, seek, seem to, strive, struggle, swear, threaten, undertake, volunteer, want, wish.

They didn’t agree to pay that much for the classes.

You seem to like surfing a lot.

The board of directors want to expand worldwide.

Catenative Verb + -ing

• We also combine catenative verbs with -ing verbs: be used to, (can) face, admit, advocate, anticipate, appreciate, avoid, can’t help, can’t stand, carry on, consider, contemplate, defer, deny, detest, dislike, enjoy, entail, escape, fancy, favor, finish, get used to, give up, go, imagine, insist on, involve, justify, keep on, look forward to, mention, mind, necessitate, object to, postpone, practice, put off, report, resent, risk, save, stop, suggest, tolerate.

They admitted using the organization’s funds on their personal trips.

You can’t practice speaking in public in this job.

She keeps on bothering her sister with the same question.

Catenative Verb + to-infinitive vs. -ing

• You can follow several catenative verbs with either to-infinitive or -ing (can’t bear, begin, bother, cease, continue, hate, intend, like, love, neglect, prefer, start) without really affecting their meanings in both sentences.

Did they bother to check it? = Did they bother checking it?

She loves to sew. = She loves sewing.

The fire started to engulf the entire house. = The fire started engulfing the entire house.

• There are times when combining catenative verbs with either to-infinitive or -ing (come, go on, need, regret, remember, propose, try) change their meanings completely.

Her parents came to love her chosen profession. (=Her parents gradually realized it is a good profession.) vs. The tires came tumbling down the hill. (The tires move in this direction.)

He remembered to send the letter to her. (=He remembered to do the action.) vs. He remembers sending the letter to her. (=He recalls doing the action.)

The police tried to pacify the riots, but to no avail. (=The police attempted to do the action.) vs. The police try soliciting information from the citizens. (=The police try to experiment with this approach to get information..)

Catenative Verb + Past Participle

• We usually combine get with a past participle verb.

She was so annoyed with him. She wanted him to get lost.

When am I going to get refunded?

Don’t get started with the party until we arrive, okay?

False Catenative Verbs

• In some cases, a verb chain does not automatically make a catenative.

Infinitive of Purpose: They stopped to buy some food.

Catenative: They wanted to buy some food.

Infinitive of Purpose: She stopped to talk to her colleague.

Catenative: She stopped talking to her colleague.

Level: Beginner-Intermediate

A linking verb connects the subject with a word that gives information about it, such as a condition or relationship. They do not show any action; rather, they “link” the subject with the rest of the sentence. For example, in the sentence “He is exhausted,” the word “is” is the linking verb that connects “he” and “exhausted” to show the relationship between the two words.

The most common linking verbs are forms of the verb to be:

am, is, are, was, were, has been, are being, might be, etc.

• Here are some examples of linking verbs used in sentences with the linking verbs in bold.

I am tired. (Here, the subject is described as tired.)
William is excited about his promotion.
We are happy to hear about the news.
The weather was great.
The roads were slippery.
Anthony has been a dream for the last few weeks.

• Other common linking verbs relate to the five senses (to look, to feel, to smell, to sound, and to taste).

New books smell good.
It sounds really funny.
You look young.
I feel bad.
The cake tastes great!

• To appear, to become, and to seem are common linking verbs too.

You seem happy.
That woman appears somewhat sad.
I have become tired of your approach to problem-solving.

• Remember that linking verbs do not express actions. The verbs to be, to become, and to seem are always linking verbs. However, some verbs can be linking verbs or non-linking verbs depending on the context.

Mary always smells like perfume.
(Here, smells is a linking verb. It describes Mary, the subject.)
Mary always smells perfume.
(Here, smells is not a linking verb. A linking verb does not express an action.)

Linking verbs do not cause serious problems for native English speakers, but here are two common issues.

• Don’t use an adverb for your subject complement.

Your shirt smells amazingly.
(The word “amazingly” is an adverb. Adverbs modify verbs. The thing that follows a linking verb to re-identify or describes the subject is called the subject complement. It should always be a noun or an adjective.)
The correct sentence is: Your shirt smells amazing.

Your cat smells badly.
(Here, “smells” is not a linking verb, and it is correctly modified by the adverb badly. It means the cat has a poor sense of smell.)
The correct sentence is: My cat smells bad. (It means the cat stinks.)

• You can say “It was I” or “It was me.” Both of these versions are correct. “It was me” version is what everyone says and the “It was I” version fits the ruling that subject complements are in the subjective case.

Level: Beginner-Intermediate

We use comparative adjectives to show change or make comparisons. Comparative adjectives are used to compare differences between the two objects they modify. They are used in sentences where two nouns are compared, in this pattern.

Noun (subject) + verb + comparative adjective + than + noun (object).

• We use “than” when we want to compare one thing with another.

He is three years younger than me.
She is a better dancer than Mary.
Russia is a bigger country than France.
(The second item of comparison can be omitted if it is clear from the context.)

• We use comparative adjectives to show change or make comparisons.

This car is better, but it’s much more expensive.
I’m feeling better now.
We need a bigger car.

There are two ways to form a comparative adjective:

Short Adjectives Comparative

• For 1-syllable adjectives, simply add -er.

tall → taller

Mary is taller than Jenny.
fast → faster

I run faster than you.
old → older

My grandpa is older than my grandma.

• 2-syllable adjectives ending in -y, change the y to “i”.

lucky → luckier

My friend is luckier than me in the lottery.
tidy → tidier

I hope they make the community a tidier place to live in.
happy → happier

I am happier when I’m with you.

• If the adjective ends in -e, just add -r

late → later
large → larger
strange → stranger
wise → wiser

I arrived at school later today than yesterday.
My bag is larger than yours.
My dream tonight is stranger than my dream last night.
I am wiser now.

• If the adjective ends in consonant, vowel, consonant, double the last consonant.

big → bigger

I gained weight so I wear bigger shirts now.
fat → fatter
My cat is fatter than your cat.

Long Adjectives Comparative

• For 2-syllable adjectives, simply add “more” before the positive adjective.

modern → more modern
I like the second house. It’s more modern than the other one.

pleasant → more pleasant
The weather is more pleasant today than yesterday.

For all adjectives of 3 or more syllables, also add more before the positive adjective.

expensive → more expensive

The yellow car is more expensive than the green one.
intelligent → more intelligent
He is more intelligent than his brother.

• The following adjectives are exception to the previously mentioned rules because they have irregular forms.

good → better
That cake tastes good. → This cake tastes better.

bad → worse

The weather today is bad. → The weather today is worse than yesterday.

far → farther/further
His house is far. → Her house is farther.

The simple past is used principally to describe events in the past. The verb ‘to be ( am, is, are )’ has two forms in the past; was and were.

Positive Form

For first person singular and third person singular, use the word was. In all other cases, use were.

I / he/ she / it + was
You / we / they + were

She was a student.
They were doctors.
I was in Spain in 1999.
We were together.
He was my boyfriend.

Question Form

• In order to ask a question, was/were needs to be at the beginning of the sentence.

TO BE ( was/were ) + Subject + …

Was she a teacher?

Were they students?

Were you in Spain last year?

Was Jessica with you?

Were you together?

Negative Form

Subject + TO BE ( was/were ) + NOT + …

In negative sentences, add the adverb not and put it before the word was/were. Most of the time, the contraction (shortened form) is used in negative sentences.

He was not ( wasn’t) in the store.
You were not ( weren’t ) in the store.
He wasn’t at the theatre.
I wasn’t in Spain in 1990.
Jessica wasn’t in Tokyo in 2005.
We weren’t in together.

• Wasn’t is the short form of was not. You can say either:

I was not in Spain. = I wasn’t in Spain.

• Weren’t is the short form of were not. You can say either:

We were not in Spain. = We weren’t in Spain.

Adjectives describe qualities (characteristics) of nouns. Some qualities can vary in intensity or “grade” (gradable) and other qualities cannot vary in intensity or grade (non-gradable).

Gradable Adjectives

• Adjectives that can be made stronger, weaker, or altered by using “grading adverbs” such as a little, dreadfully, extremely, fairly, hugely, immensely, intensely, rather, reasonably, slightly, unusually, very.

He was quite angry when he saw me.
The movie was really funny!
It is extremely hot in Spain in the summer.

• A gradable adjective can have comparative and superlative forms.

He said that Russia was a little cold and China was rather cold. But Canada was the coldest.

Non-Gradable Adjectives

• Adjectives that describe qualities that are completely present or completely absent. These adjectives describe absolute qualities. To make them stronger, we have to use modifiers like absolutely, totally or completely.

The game was absolutely amazing!
The dress is absolutely perfect!
Their house was totally destroyed by the typhoon.
My work is completely finished.

• Adjectives like amazing, awful, and boiling are also considered non-gradable. They already contain the idea of ‘very’ in their meanings. If we want to make extreme adjectives stronger, we add absolutely or really:

The match was absolutely amazing!
After 32 hours of traveling, they were absolutely exhausted.
The traffic was really awful.

• Non-gradable adjectives can also be used alone.

It is freezing outside.
The cat was dead.

This English grammar lesson summarizes the progressive comparison of adjectives. 

Adjectives which take endings

In the case of adjectives which take endings, the comparative form of the adjective is repeated in a progressive comparison.

Subject + linking verb + adjective which takes endings + and + adjective which takes endings

My mother became angrier and angrier.

It got hotter and hotter.

She is becoming prettier and prettier.

More and More

However, comparative adjectives that use more, we simply repeat the word more.

Subject + linking verb + more + and + more + comparative adjective that use more

The technology became more and more innovative.

People grew more and more restless.

He became more and more ambitious.

Less and Less 

We use less and less for both adjectives which take endings and comparative adjectives that use more. 

Subject + linking verb + less + and + less + adjectives which take endings/comparative adjective that use more

The noise is getting less and less loud. (=The noise is getting decreasingly loud.)

The relationship grew less and less exciting. (=The relationship grew decreasingly exciting.)

Level: Beginner-Intermediate

A superlative adjective expresses the highest degree of quality. They are used in sentences where a subject is compared to a group of objects. We also usually add ‘the’ before the superlative adjective.

Noun (subject) + verb + the + superlative adjective + noun (object).

There are two ways to form a superlative adjective.

Short Adjectives Superlative

• If the adjective has a consonant + single vowel + consonant spelling, the final consonant must be doubled before adding -est.

tall → tallest

Mark is the tallest student in the class.
big → biggest

The monster truck is the biggest car I have ever seen.
fast → fastest

Your horse is the fastest in the race.

old → oldest

I am the oldest in this class.

• For adjectives ending in y, change the y to an i before adding the -est.

lucky → luckiest

I am the luckiest man alive.
tidy → tidiest

My bedroom is the tidiest room in the house.
happy → happiest

You make me the happiest person in the world.

• If the adjective ends in -e, just add -st.

late → the latest

She arrived the latest.
large → the largest

I caught the largest fish I have ever seen.
strange → the strangest

I had the strangest dream last night.

Long Adjectives Superlative

Adjectives with three or more syllables form the superlative by putting “most” in front.

• 2-syllable adjectives not ending in -y

modern → most modern

I bought the most modern house in the neighborhood.
pleasant → most pleasant

This perfume has the most pleasant smell

• All adjectives of 3 or more syllables, add “most” before the adjective.

expensive → most expensive

She got the most expensive mobile phone.
intelligent → most intelligent

She is the most intelligent in her class.

• The following adjectives are exception to the previously mentioned rules because they have irregular forms.

less → the least

I got the least number of mistakes in the exam.
good → the best

I have the best mother in the world.
bad → the worst

The worst food I’ve ever tried is fried insects.
far → the farthest/furthest

This is the furthest I can go. I am exhausted.
much/many → the most

She has the most number of friends.

Conjunctive adverbs are words which main use is to connect phrases and clauses. They enable smooth transitions between ideas. They make the writer’s meaning a little clearer.

List of Conjunctive Adverbs and Their Uses

Below is a list of some common conjunctive adverbs and when we use them in sentences.

Cause and Effect

accordingly

consequently

therefore

hence

subsequently

then

therefore

thus

hence

Addition

also

furthermore

besides

moreover

Contrast

conversely

however

instead

nevertheless

nonetheless

otherwise

still

Time

meanwhile

since

lately

Sequence

first

next

finally

Emphasis

indeed

definitely

Comparison

similarly

likewise

How to Form Conjunctive Adverbs

Conjunctive adverbs link two main clauses. In this case, they function as coordinating conjunctions, joining two dependent clauses. It is important to note that in order to connect these two clauses, we use the following structure: 

MAIN CLAUSE + ; + Conjunctive Adverb + , + MAIN CLAUSE

Note the use of a semicolon instead of a comma after the first main clause in the following examples.

The bad weather discouraged Tom to take his morning walk; moreover, he had many things to do that morning.

They are not easily motivated with money; otherwise, they would have just kept the truth about the issue.

She ate a whole bowl of soup; then, to her mom’s surprise, she finished two cups of rice.

• We also introduce, interrupt, or conclude one main clause using conjunctive adverbs. In this case, we often use commas in order to separate the conjunctive adverb from the other parts of the sentence.

This month, the company was supposed to take us on a company retreat. Instead, they were considering giving everyone a leadership training.

He didn’t want to keep seeing her anymore. He decided, nevertheless, to take her out one last time.

After surfing all afternoon, Matt was too tired to cook dinner. He did eat some leftovers, however.

• In cases where the break is weak, there is no need to use a comma.

Sofia called to inform that she can’t conduct her classes today. Stephanie will therefore have to fill in for her.

The shrimp dish triggered her allergies. Going to that seafood restaurant was not a good idea indeed.

What are delexical verbs?

Delexical verbs are action words that have no meaning in their own right. We find the meaning of the action more on the noun.

How to form?

Delexical verbs are usually followed by adjectives and then nouns. Look at this pattern:

delexical verb + adjective/s + noun

She takes a hot shower before going to bed.
They had some hard drinks at the party.

• The most common verbs used in this manner are have, take, make, give, go, and do. But perhaps the most frequently used are have and take.

Uses

This next part lists all the delexical verbs and the nouns they are usually used with.

Verb Have

• Use the delexical verb have with food and drink, talking, washing, resting, and disagreeing.

• Additionally, also use have with verbs that function as nouns.

The clients want to have a look at the property before signing the lease contract.
The child had a bite of the apple.
Do you want to have a drink first?
The team had a listen to the keynote speaker at the conference.
Are you going to have a swim on the lake?

Verb Take

• The main use of delexical verb take is with washing and resting.

She always takes a long bath after a long work’s day.
He looks tired. He needs to take some time off.

• Moreover, you also use take with the words: care, care of, a turn, turns, trouble, the trouble, a chance, a risk, a decision, and a photograph.

It is important that you take care of yourself.

You better take a chance on him.

They took turns in using the meeting room.

The view is amazing! Make sure to take beautiful photographs.

She is not one to take risks.

• In addition, you can use take with verbs that function as nouns.

They took a good look at the design plan.
She takes long walks to clear her mind.
Have you taken your quick swim?

Verb Give

• Generally, you use the delexical verb give with noises, facial expressions, hitting, affectionate actions, and talking.

She gives a loud scream every time she rides a rollercoaster.

He gave his wife a loving glance.

His parents always give him his much needed push.

They didn’t separate without giving each other a goodbye kiss.

WHO needs to give scientific information about the pandemic.

Verb Make

• The use of the delexical verb make is usually with talking, sounds, and plans.

I’m quite sure it made a sound.

Do not make promises you can’t keep.

Making an appointment is a professional thing to do.

Verb Go

• More commonly, you use go as a delexical verb.

Should we go for a walk?
My sister and I went shopping last weekend.
Let’s go dancing now.

• You also use go for common activities. Combine it with an -ing verb.

Mom and Dad go walking every morning.
They go grocery shopping every weekend.
She is not here now. She has gone swimming.

• Use go for a with words that indicate moving. These words include a jog, a ride, a swim, a run, a stroll, and a walk.

How about we go for a short ride around town?

Instead of staying at their hotel, they chose to go for a leisurely stroll around the area.

Verb Do

• You use do with -ing nouns to do with house works.

It’s my grandmother’s hobby to do the gardening.
We did the painting and they did the redecorating of the baby room.

• In addition, you also use do with nouns to do with work.

The team have to do a few jobs with the software before the launch.
Our colleagues said they couldn’t come out yesterday. They had so much work to do.

• When it is clear what the action in the sentence is, you use do.

She has to do her nails before the party. (= She’ll have to paint her nails.)
I have done my hair? (= I have styled my hair.)

• The question “Did he do the room?” might have the following meaning depending on the context.

Did he clean …? decorate…? paint…?

See also: Commonly Confused Verbs: Make or Do (Advanced)

For additional information on this topic, check out this British Council lesson.

Other English grammar lessons can be found here.

Level: Intermediate – Advanced

The flower and plants in the Johnsons’ garden are well maintained. This morning, the gardener came and tended it.

The Johnsons have their garden maintained.

This means that the Johnsons arranged for the gardener to maintain their garden. They don’t maintain it themselves. 

Have/get something done is used to express that the subject arranged for somebody else to do something for them.

The form is: has/have/had + object + past participle

COMPARE:

Marta cut her hair. vs Marta had her hair cut.

(She cut it herself.)      (Someone cut Marta’s hair for her.)

Jenny replaced the broken window. vs Jenny had the broken window replaced.

(She replaced the broken window on her own.) (Someone replaced the broken window for her.)

Did you do your nails yourself? vs Did you have your nails done?

(Did you paint your nails yourself?) (Did someone paint your nails?)

Get something done can also be used in place of have something done especially in informal spoken English.

When are you going to get your passport renewed?

You need to get your computer fixed as soon as possible.

Mrs. Holmes needs to get that lump on her head checked.

However, in some cases, have or get something done has a different meaning.

Dr. Smith had/got his medical license revoked.

In this situation, Dr. Smith didn’t arrange for someone to revoke his medical license. Here it means his medical license was revoked by the medical authorities. 

When this is what you mean by have/get something done, it usually connotes something negative that happens to someone or things that belong to them.