Basic English Syntax with Exercises

Suggested Answers for Check Questions

The difference between a light verb and a thematic verb is reflected in notation as well: light verbs head vPs while thematic verbs head VPs. While thematic verbs contribute to the meaning of the construction they appear in, the contribution to meaning made by light verbs is reduced, they can be used in combination with some noun or verb. [Spec, VP] is associated with the theme argument, [Spec, vP] with the agent or experiencer argument in a structure. Light verbs can take vPs or VPs as complements.