Head verb – verbe principal
Let's Define It!
What's a *head verb*?
In French, identifying the head verb (le verbe principal) within a sentence may not be as simple as identifying the head noun.
This is mainly because the complexity of verbs themselves.
The verbe principal < /strong>(head noun) is also referred to as the lexical verb. It is an ordinary verb as opposed to a complex verb (auxiliary/modal + participle / infinitive).
From the head verb, you can get the full meaning contained in the phrasal verb (i.e. state, event, movement, etc.) ->
In non-auxiliary, simple phrasal verbs, the head verb is easily identifiable. For example, Il profite de ses vacances (He is enjoying his vacation).
In a complex verbal phrase containing an auxiliary + participle or modal+infinitive, the head verb always comes last. For example, Elle a mangé son pain (She ate her bread). Elle peut manger maintenant (She can eat now).
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Let's Pronounce It!
What does it sound like in French?
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Let's Have an Example or Two!
Can a little reinforcement do the trick?
Find below a few examples of head verbs:
J'aurais été riche depuis bien longtemps. / I would have been rich for quite some time.
Vous serez devenu avocat avant cela. / You will have become lawyer before this.
Peux-tu me donner un meanteau?/ Can you give me a coat?
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