Abstract:This thesis aims to explore the formation mechanism of delexicalized verb construction with special reference to the structure “TAKE a Vn”. The author chose cognitive linguistics as the theoretical framework. On the basis of the related theories of cognitive linguistics and the analysis of large number of examples, this author has adopted synthetic and analytic methods, descriptive and explicative methods, induction and deduction to discuss the above questions. The research shows that decategorization, metaphor and metonymy are the main mechanisms in the formations of English delexicalized verb constructions.  Since the paper only selects “take a Vn” as a case study, whether our conclusion is also fit for explaining other delexicalized verb constructions or not, it needs further study.

Key words:  delexicalized verb construction; decategorization; metaphor; metonymy

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction-1

2. Literature Review-2

3. Cognitive Analysis of Delexicalized Verb Constructions-4

3.1 Decategorization-4

3.2 Metaphor-6

3.2.1 Introduction of Metaphor-6

3.2.2 The Application of Metaphor-7

3.3 Metonymy-8

3.3.1 Introduction of Metonymy-8

3.3.2 The Application of Metonymy-10

4. Conclusions-10

Bibliography-11

Acknowledgements-12