simple past

Question

Hi Everyone,I have a question about the following sentence:' Tom got caught stealing a lap top.'I know that - got- is the main verb telling you the sentence is in the simple past.What role does - caught - play in this sentence?Do we say that - got caught - together is the main verb in the simple past?ThanksMiss Wondering.

GPY · Accepted Answer

"Tom got caught" is a colloquial variant passive form, more or less equivalent to "Tom was caught". On this basis, I would class "got" as an auxiliary and "caught" as the main verb.

Cup cake · Answer

Thank you GPY.

You know, not a post goes by where I don't learn something.
This site is truly amazing!

Cup cake · Answer

Oh, I've got one more variant on this example.

What about this sentence:

'Tom got caught up in traffic'.

I can't see this sentence as passive, so how would you classify both - got, and caught - in this example?

Then again, is it passive?

The traffic caught Tom? [Strange, but hey...I'm an artist remember. I see a MILLION possibilities. I'll paint with sand because it's possible. lol]

Thanks
CC.

GPY · Answer

Cup cake'Tom got caught up in traffic'.I can't see this sentence as passive, so how would you classify both - got, and caught - in this example?

I would say on balance that "caught up" is adjectival here.

Cup cakeThe traffic caught Tom?

Well, to be evidence for the original question it would need to be "The traffic caught up Tom". While this is not completely impossible, it does not seem a very natural thing to say. "Tom was caught up by the traffic" is another one to ponder, I guess.

By the way, Cup cake, are you a native English speaker?

Cup cake · Answer

Yes, I'm a native English speaker.

I'm an English teacher actually, which is why I joined this site.

I was a corporate trainer for a few years, and moved into teaching English. It just happened naturally. I'm best regarded for my attitude, approachability and creativity. I also have post grad quals to teach English, but I have to say...there is SO much to either 'relearn, or 'learn' in terms of grammar.

I've also been a professional writer, but explaining grammar to students is a WHOLE different ball game. It's not in the 'knowing how to say something', it's all in the 'WHY' !

Some students are like dogs with bones, and that's fair enough. They have a right to know why.

I just want to make sure I can tell them - why.

Thanks GPY for clarifying my question again.

GPY · Answer

Cup cakeYes, I'm a native English speaker.

OK, I'll try to remember that if and when I reply to any of your questions in future.

Cup cake · Answer

Don't worry GPY. I don't mind if you, or anyone else thinks I'm a student.
It's often hard to switch off from 'teacher mode'.
I know, I do it myself. Lol.

GPY · Answer

Cup cake' Tom got caught stealing a lap top.'

By the way, something I forgot to mention ... "laptop" is one word.

Cup cake · Answer

See...I've learned something new today!

I don't think anyone can visit this site without learning just one thing every visit.

Thank you GPY.

Anonymous · Answer

Cup cake'Tom got caught up in traffic'.

It's not passive because "traffic" is not the agent here. "Tom got caught up by traffic" would do the 'passive' trick.

PS: I'm not a native.

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