0
Anonymous Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Question regarding linguistic mechanism.

Why do some verbs require the use of a preposition before the indirect object?

Please compare the patterns I use for the following verbs:

1) I explained the book to the teacher
vs.
I explained the teacher the book

Obviously, the second example makes no sense. With this verb (and others like it) you must use either the pattern in the first example or ommit the IO altogether; there is no way to use the IO without a preposition.

2) I gave the book to the teacher
vs.
I gave the teacher the book

I want to know why verbs like "to explain" require a preposition while others do not.
  

Top answer

There is no rule; it is a peculiarity of each verb. Please tell her. Please speak to her.

— Mister Micawber

  • There is no rule; it is a peculiarity of each verb.
  • Please tell her.
  • Please speak to her.
  • Please say to her that....
  • Please ask her.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
There is no rule; it is a peculiarity of each verb.

Please tell her.
Please speak to her.
Please say to her that....

Please ask her.
Please inquire of her.
0
0
AnonymousI want to know why verbs like "to explain" require a preposition while others do not.
There is no rule. It's considered a property of the individual verb.

The general topic is called Dative Alternation.
There are three verb groups: Alternating, Non-Alternating -- to Only, and Non-Alternating -- Double Object Only.

1.
0
0
Is linguistic mechanism similar to linguistic mechanical devices?
0

Related Questions