Infinitival Vs Gerundial Complementation With Afraid, Accustomed, And Prone: Unveiling the Secrets of Language Structure

Language is a fascinating aspect of human communication, with its intricate nuances and structures constantly intriguing linguists and language enthusiasts alike. One such phenomenon that keeps researchers on their toes is the concept of complementation. Complementation refers to the use of certain verbs followed by either an infinitive or a gerund. In this article, we will delve into the complexities of infinitival versus gerundial complementation with specific focus on the verbs "afraid," "accustomed," and "prone." Grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and get ready to unravel the secrets of language structure!

The Eminent Verbs: Afraid, Accustomed, And Prone

Before diving into the intricacies of complementation, let's first familiarize ourselves with the three prominent verbs we'll be exploring: "afraid," "accustomed," and "prone." These verbs add depth and dimension to sentences by expressing certain emotions or habitual behaviors.

The verb "afraid" defines a feeling of fear or apprehension. Individuals may be afraid of spiders, heights, or even public speaking. "Accustomed," on the other hand, portrays a state of familiarity or habituation. People often become accustomed to certain routines, making them a part of their everyday lives. Lastly, "prone" refers to a tendency or inclination towards a particular behavior or outcome. For example, someone prone to laziness may have difficulty implementing regular exercise routines.

Infinitival vs Gerundial Complementation with Afraid, Accustomed, and Prone: Multivariate Corpus Studies

by Dorin Bucur(1st ed. 2021 Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14874 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	274 pages

FREE

Infinitival Complementation: Adding a Sense of Purpose or Intent

Infinitival complementation occurs when these verbs are followed by an infinitive form of a verb (to + base form of the verb). It adds a sense of purpose or intent to the sentence. Let's see how each verb behaves in terms of infinitival complementation.

Afraid

When "afraid" is followed by an infinitive, it conveys a fear or hesitancy towards completing the action denoted by the infinitive verb. For instance, one might say, "I'm afraid to ask my boss for a raise." Here, the person expresses hesitation and fear about approaching the boss to discuss a salary increase.

Accustomed

"Accustomed," when paired with an infinitive, implies a state of becoming familiar with a certain activity or habit. For example, someone might say, "I'm accustomed to waking up early." This sentence conveys the idea that the person is habitually waking up early due to long-term persistence.

Prone

When "prone" is followed by an infinitive, it indicates a tendency or inclination towards a particular behavior. Consider the sentence, "He is prone to procrastinate before important deadlines." Here, the use of infinitival complementation emphasizes the individual's natural inclination to delay tasks when important deadlines are looming.

Gerundial Complementation: Showcasing Ongoing Action or Habitual Nature

Gerundial complementation, on the other hand, involves using a gerund form of a verb (verb + -ing). This form showcases ongoing action or a habitual nature related to the verbs "afraid," "accustomed," and "prone." Let's explore how each verb takes shape in gerundial complementation.

Afraid

When "afraid" is followed by a gerund, it signifies a fear or apprehension towards engaging in an ongoing action denoted by the gerund. For instance, one might say, "She is afraid of flying." In this example, the person is expressing a fear or unease associated with the ongoing action of flying.

Accustomed

Using "accustomed" with a gerund portrays a habit or regularity in performing an ongoing action. For instance, someone might say, "He is accustomed to jogging every morning." Here, the individual has developed a habit of regularly jogging in the morning, making it an ongoing action.

Prone

When "prone" is followed by a gerund, it highlights a tendency or inclination towards engaging in an ongoing action. For example, "She is prone to oversleeping on weekends." In this case, the individual has a natural inclination to oversleep on weekends, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the action.

Deciphering the Fine Line: When to Use Infinitive or Gerund Complementation

Now that we have explored the individual behaviors of "afraid," "accustomed," and "prone" in both infinitival and gerundial complementation, let's tackle the million-dollar question: when do we use one over the other?

The choice between infinitive and gerundial complementation depends on the precise meaning one wishes to convey. Infinitival complementation emphasizes intent, purpose, or a one-time occurrence, while gerundial complementation signifies ongoing action, habitual behavior, or a general tendency.

For instance, if one wants to express a one-time fear or hesitation towards a specific action, infinitival complementation works best. On the other hand, if the intention is to portray an ongoing fear or habit, gerundial complementation is the way to go.

Language Evolution: How Complementation Adds Depth to Communication

As language continues to evolve, the study of complementation adds depth and richness to our understanding of human communication. Infinitival and gerundial complementation with verbs such as "afraid," "accustomed," and "prone" enable us to express a spectrum of emotions, habits, and tendencies.

The key lies in mastering the appropriate usage of infinitival and gerundial complementation to convey nuanced meanings. As language enthusiasts, we have the power to wield words and structure sentences in a way that precisely communicates our intended message.

Infinitival versus gerundial complementation takes language structure to new heights by enabling us to express fear, familiarity, habits, and tendencies. Verbs such as "afraid," "accustomed," and "prone" play a significant role in showcasing the versatility of complementation.

So, the next time you find yourself constructing a complex sentence, remember the possibilities that lie within infinitival and gerundial complementation. Embrace the intricacies of language and leverage its power to captivate, inform, and inspire!

Infinitival vs Gerundial Complementation with Afraid, Accustomed, and Prone: Multivariate Corpus Studies

by Dorin Bucur(1st ed. 2021 Edition, Kindle Edition)

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	14874 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	274 pages

FREE

This book explores the concept of complementation in the adjectival domain of English grammar. Alternation between non-finite complements, especially to infinitives and gerundial complements, has been investigated intensively on the basis of large corpora in the last few years. With very few exceptions, however, such work has hitherto been based on univariate analysis methods. Using multivariate analysis, the authors present methodologically innovative case studies examining a large array of explanatory factors potentially impacting complement choice in cases of alternation. This approach yields more precise information on the impact of each factor on complement choice as well as on interactions between different explanatory factors. The book thus presents a methodologically new perspective on the study of the system of non-finite complementation in recent English and variation within that system, and will be relevant to academics and students with an interest in English grammar, predicate complementation, and statistical approaches to language.