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John liao Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

subject and two verbs

Imagine their surprise and delight when they broke open the packing cases and found that the fourth engine was sweet as honey -- still in perfect condition.

1. Why this sentence can stand without a subject before a imagine?
2.broke open: two verbs is ok ?
  

Top answer

1. Imagine is an imperative, in other words, it's a request or an order. In the same way: Come here!

— Cool Breeze

  • 1.
  • Imagine is an imperative, in other words, it's a request or an order.
  • In the same way: Come here!
  • 2.
  • Open is not a verb.
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8 Answers
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1. Imagine is an imperative, in other words, it's a request or an order. In the same way: Come here!
2. Open is not a verb. It's an adjective.

CB
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More questions:
If open was a verb, which noun would it modify?
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john liaoIf open was a verb, which noun would it modify?
You question doesn't make sense as open is not a verb in your sentence. Besides, verbs don't modify nouns.

CB
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Sorry, typing mistake.
I mean if open was a adjective, which noun would it modfy?
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Open is an adjective! It goes together with the verb broke. To break open means 'to open using force'.

CB
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Sorry, in my native language, only adverb can go together with a verb.
So, what kind of verb can go together with a adjective word?
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john liaoSo, what kind of verb can go together with a adjective word?
I have no idea.

CB
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I hope I am not out of place with this suggestion, but try to not compare your new language (english) with your native language. Just learn it (english) for what it is, try to learn without translating and comparing. Every language has different grammar rules and trying to rectify them between different languages will only lead to much confusion.
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