Expertlatin
English modal verbs (can, could, may, might, must, ought, shall, should, will, and would) are defective in that they lack distinctive third-person singular and nonfinite forms.
- What do you mean by defective verb?
- What type of verb is defective?
- What are the peculiar features of modal verbs Why are they called defective?
- Which is the most defective verb in English?
What do you mean by defective verb?
defective verb (plural defective verbs) (grammar) A verb with an incomplete conjugation; for example, one that can only be conjugated in certain persons and numbers. The verb can is defective in most English dialects, as it lacks an infinitive.
What type of verb is defective?
Definition: A defective verb is a verb which does not exhibit all the forms typical of a regular verbal conjugation. The auxiliary verb ought is a defective verb.
What are the peculiar features of modal verbs Why are they called defective?
In English, modal verbs are called defective verbs because of their incomplete conjugation: They have a narrower range of functions than ordinary verbs. For example, most have no infinitive or gerund. In many Germanic languages, the modal verbs may be used in more functions than in English.
Which is the most defective verb in English?
Common defectives
The most commonly recognized defective verbs in English are auxiliary verbs—the class of preterite-present verbs—can/could, may/might, shall/should, must, ought, and will/would (would being a later historical development).
