English Phrasal Verb, 1650-Present: History, Stylistic Drifts, and Lexicalisation

This study explores the development of phrasal verbs in English over nearly 400 years,based on a corpus analysis of over 12,000 examples from ten different genres. It reveals how registers can inform us about the history of English and proposes a new approach to the category by considering their grammatical features and historical development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 341 pages
Publication date: 28 October 2021
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This extensive study spans nearly four centuries of English language development, offering a comprehensive diachronic and synchronic account based on a vast array of over 12,000 examples extracted from stratified electronic corpora. By meticulously analyzing these corpora, the study provides valuable insights into the evolution of phrasal verbs, shedding light on their historical trajectory and revealing the intricate patterns of usage and stylistic shifts across ten diverse genres. Through a corpus-based analysis, the study demonstrates how registers can serve as historical archives, tracing the evolution of phrasal verbs across different periods and contexts. It compares the usage and stylistic variations of phrasal verbs across drama, fiction, journals, diaries, letters, medicine, news, science, sermons, and trial proceedings, offering a rich tapestry of linguistic change. Moreover, the study delves into the morpho-syntactic and semantic characteristics of phrasal verbs, proposing a fresh perspective on the category by considering not only their grammatical features but also their historical development. By examining the category through the lens of several central mechanisms of language change, the study offers a novel approach to understanding the intricate dynamics of phrasal verb formation and evolution. This comprehensive examination of phrasal verb development in English provides a valuable resource for scholars, language enthusiasts, and educators alike, offering a deep understanding of the rich linguistic heritage of this language.

Weight: 494g
Dimension: 152 x 230 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781107499249