verbe support
The English phrase 'light verb' is translated into French as verbe support.
A light verb is a verb that has little semantic content and combines with another word to form a larger unit of meaning. In French, examples of such collocations include faire une promesse (to make a promise) and prendre une décision (to make a decision).
How does it change in a sentence?
In French linguistic literature, the phrase verbe de support is also frequently used to denote the same concept.
Did you know?
- While faire is the most common 'light verb' in French, using it too often can make a writer seem simplistic. Advanced writers often replace it with more precise verbs to avoid the 'light' quality entirely.
- The word verbe is a learned borrowing from the Latin verbum, making it a formal cousin to the English word 'verve'.
- While English uses the adjective 'light' to describe these verbs, French uses the noun 'support', focusing on the verb's structural role rather than its weight.
Examples in context
- Il faut prendre une décision.A decision must be made.
- Elle a donné naissance à un garçon.She gave birth to a boy.
- Nous faisons confiance à nos amis.We trust our friends.
- Je vais faire une promenade.I am going for a walk.
- Ce mot fonctionne comme un verbe support.This word functions as a light verb.
- J'ai besoin d'un verbe support pour cette phrase.I need a light verb for this sentence.
- Le professeur explique l'usage du verbe support.The teacher explains the use of the light verb.
Example conversation
Two students are studying linguistics in a library.
- HugoEmma, est-ce que ce verbe est un verbe support ?Emma, is this verb a light verb?
- EmmaOui, Hugo, il n'a pas de sens propre ici.Yes, Hugo, it has no inherent meaning here.
- HugoD'accord, je vais noter ce verbe support.Okay, I will note down this light verb.
- EmmaC'est une bonne idée pour ton examen.That is a good idea for your exam.
Sources
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries support, verbe, CC BY-SA 4.0.
