THE SEMANTICS OF PHRASAL VERBS
SUMMARY
1 Phrasal verbs consist of a lexical verb + an adverb-like particle (She walked out).
2 The function of many of the particles is to modify the nature of the activity expressed by the verb. The result is an extended meaning which is often quite different from the meaning(s) of the verb when it functions alone.
3 The more transparent combinations combine the meaning of the verb and the particle, and these allow substitution (go out/run out/hurry out: go away/run away/hurry away.
4 In a Motion Event analysis the lexical verb in such combinations expresses Motion, while the particle expresses the Path taken by the moving Figure with respect to the Ground.
5 The notions of Manner and also Cause are typically incorporated, together with Motion, in English verbs.
6 Phrasal verb particles can also draw attention to the beginning or end of an activity, to its continuation, slow completion, increased or decreased intensity and many other meanings.
