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KhoshtipMan Posted 9 years ago
Grammar

Ergative Verbs

Hi,

Another question on this non-well-known issue!

As to the list CJ gave me some time ago, neither cease nor read is of ergative verbs. I look upon that list like a complete one.

Now look at these example sentences please. I think you, too, agree that they sound that way, in meaning.

hostilities had ceased. The book reads easily.

Questions:

  • Aren't they part of the list? (My list is not complete!)
  • If not, what do they mean? How a non-native speaker (a Kurdish person) should get their meanings or translate them?

Thanks.



  

Top answer

You did not apparently look at the information page that references this list. It says this: Many but not all English verbs can have ergative syntax. This list is not exhaustive.

— AlpheccaStars

  • You did not apparently look at the information page that references this list.
  • It says this: Many but not all English verbs can have ergative syntax.
  • This list is not exhaustive.
  • " is not very common.
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1 Answers
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You did not apparently look at the information page that references this list. It says this:

Many but not all English verbs can have ergative syntax. This list is not exhaustive.

"This book reads easily." is not very common.

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