I need scratch.

Question

In the following sentences base verbs are used.
1. What you did was steal.
2. I've done a lot worse than get drunk in a nightclub.

If basic verbs can be used this way, I wonder, why can't you say: I need scratch?

Patrick Dorion · Accepted Answer

Both sentences are incorrect, though. They might be spoken that way, but they are grammatically incorrect.

The first example could be spoken by a parent trying to teach the meaning of "Stealing" to their child; the second could be spoken by a tweenager describing their behavior. In the first example, "Steal" is emphasized, somehow, and becomes an independent entity; in the second, "Get drunk in a nightclub" is itemized, and again, becomes an independent entity.

Fivejedjon · Answer

Patrick DorionBoth sentences are incorrect, though.

I don't agree.

Patrick Dorion · Answer

That is your prerogative. From your responses to my last few posts, I gather that you may be trying to exerpt yourself from coercive binary academic thinking, and I would agree that both sentences are valid forms of expression, but remain improperly formatted English sentences.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

Patrick DorionBoth sentences are incorrect, though. They might be spoken that way, but they are grammatically incorrect.

Can you give a reference to a grammar book which describes these as "incorrect"? And why they are incorrect?

If it's incorrect, then why is that pattern used in published English writing?

Here are some citations from the press:
One thing I used to do was steal spoons from the canteen of one of the halls in Loughborough every day. (The Independent, a newspaper in the UK.)
What I really wanted to do was steal away with the book and read through the suspenseful chapters on my own. (Dallas News, an American newspaper.)
What UConn needed to do most of all was steal back the momentum. (TimesUnion)

Citations from published books:

What he probably should have done, Eder realized, was steal some clothes so that he wouldn't be so readily recognized.
Another thing he used to do was steal water for the 200. That's right, actually steal it—rip it off, as the kids say.
All they had to do every day here at Big Bear was steal a couple sets of skis...
All she'd done was steal some food to feed her children.
The first thing I did was steal a couple clothespins from the neighbor's laundry tree and pin some playing cards onto the frames of the bike's wheels...
After having put our trust in men, we realized that all they did was steal from us.

AlpheccaStars · Answer

onizoI wonder, why can't you say: I need scratch?

Because "need" is a catenative verb that, if followed by another verb, requires an infinitive.

I need to scratch.
I need a scratch. (Scratch is a noun here.)

CalifJim · Answer

onizo-
1. What you did was steal.
2. I've done a lot worse than get drunk in a nightclub.

These are illustrations of a base verb as a substitute for certain forms of the pro-verb "do" which occur earlier in the sentence.

What you did was steal.
I've done a lot worse than get drunk in a nightclub.

Similarly,

What Helen wanted to do was redecorate the house.
Martha can certainly do better than serve just crackers at her parties.
______________

To replicate this pattern and apply it to your example, you need something like this:

What I need to do is scratch my neck.

CJ

Fivejedjon · Answer

Patrick DorionI would agree that both sentences are valid forms of expression, but remain improperly formatted English sentences.

And your justification for this statement is ..?

CalifJim · Answer

Patrick Dorionimproperly formatted English sentences

Actually, those sentences are from a grammar book.

CJ

Fivejedjon · Answer

Patrick Dorionmay be trying to exerpt yourself from coercive binary academic thinking

I gave that up for Lent.

Mister Micawber · Answer

Patrick Dorionexerpt yourself

Sort of a 'Mini-Me'?

I need scratch.

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