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Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

Verb

Hi.

I want to read that book.

What is the verb in the sentence above? Is it "want" with its object "to read that book" or is it "want to read" with its object "that book"?

Thank you.
  

Top answer

There are two verbs in the sentence. Want is a finite verb as it is in the present tense. To read is an infinitive, a present active infinitive to be precise.

— Cool Breeze

  • There are two verbs in the sentence.
  • Want is a finite verb as it is in the present tense.
  • To read is an infinitive, a present active infinitive to be precise.
  • CB
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3 Answers
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There are two verbs in the sentence. Want is a finite verb as it is in the present tense. To read is an infinitive, a present active infinitive to be precise.

CB
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Thank you, CB, for your useful reply. I've understood that the "want to read" is a predicator, not the "want" itself.
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AnonymousWhat is the verb in the sentence above?
The sentence contains two verbs, want and read. Want is the verb of the main clause I want to read that book and read is the verb of the infinitival clause to read that book, which functions as catenative complement (not object) to the catenative verb want.
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