Difference between revisions of "Have"
From Creolista!
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=light verb= | =light verb= | ||
| − | A light verb is a verb for which the semantic charge or load is "light". In other words it can be used anywhere, | + | A light verb is a verb for which the semantic charge or load is "light". In other words it can be used anywhere, (verbe à tout <i>faire</i>). Here "have" replaces more precise (or semantically heavy) words like <i>eating, inviting, carrying, growing, or experiencing</i>. |
*We're having tuna casserole tonight. | *We're having tuna casserole tonight. | ||
Revision as of 16:37, 19 May 2013
have
light verb
A light verb is a verb for which the semantic charge or load is "light". In other words it can be used anywhere, (verbe à tout faire). Here "have" replaces more precise (or semantically heavy) words like eating, inviting, carrying, growing, or experiencing.
- We're having tuna casserole tonight.
- They're having us over for dinner.
- I'm having a baby.
- I'm having contractions.
The above are all events, though because be + ing represents either current or future time in 1-3, only the 3rd and 4th examples refer to an event that is in motion as the speaker speaks.
- We're having (some) trouble...
- ... Ving
- ... meeting the production schedule.
- ... getting paid.
- I'm having (some) trouble with...
- the fridge
- the microwave
- the sales figures
- this door
