Multi-verb constructions: setting the scene

Abstract

In many languages of the world, several verbs combine to form a single predicate of one clause. These monoclausal sequences vary in their forms, and in their meanings. The verbs may appear in their root form, or they can be inflected. There may be a linker between them. They may be contiguous or non-contiguous. One of the verbs may be clearly marked as subordinate to the other. Over time, they may undergo grammaticalization or lexicalization. The major structural feature such multi-verb constructions share with each other is that each of them makes up a Single predicate. And in each case, the mono-predicative-and the monoclausal-character of each construction can be demonstrated with syntactic and morphological tests. A 'string' of several verbs in a row does not have to be a sequence of several clauses.