Word formation processes

In the process of evolution and development of any language, role of word formation processes can not be undermined. It plays great role in enriching vocabulary and especially meaningful communication.

As, word formation processes make available various newer words to use and reference. So, let’s see, what are major word formation processes in English language.

Undoubtedly, various word formation processes in English language like :

  • Derivational
  • Compounding
  • Converging
  • Back formation
  • Afixation
  • Blending
  • Clipping
  • Borrowing
  • Abbreviation
  • Acronymes ………..

Forms newer words, but in the academic perspective, we are going to discuss some major processes out of these.

Major word formation processs in English language

1. Derivational process of word formation

Being one of the major word formation processes, derivational process includes changes in primary words.

Basically, primary words are original words of a language and from which other words are formed. Newer words formed from these words are called as derived words.

By making internal changes in the primary word-that is forming noun from a verb or forming adjective from noun like this….

  • Advise=Advice
  • Maintain=Maintenance
  • Account =Accountable
  • Economic =Economical

2. Compounding word formation processes

In this process, new word is formed by adding one primary word with another primary word to get newer one

  • Black + Board =Blackboard
  • Police + Man = Policeman
  • Pick + Pocket = Pickpocket
  • Home + Sick = Homesick

3. Affixation word formation processes

By using prefixes and suffixes to the primary word we can make new words using this word formation process.

By adding syllables before or after the words word can be modified are changed their meanings from previous one.

  • Trans + port = transport
  • Engage + ment = engagement
  • En + danger = endanger
  • Un + fold = unfold

4. Conversion process

In this type of word formation process, same word is used for different grammatical form. Simply, we can use noun as a verb or verb as an adjective without making internal changes or adding some extra syllables.

Noun = Verb
Run = run
Punch = punch
Water = water
Experience = experience
Breakfast = breakfast

5. Back formation

Furthermore, this word formation process is similar to the conversion process. But, thereis slight difference between them. In back formation process, slightly change is done inside the primary word to make newer on.

Simply, verb is used as noun but by making slight internal change in the very form.

  • Concept = conception
  • perceive = perception
  • Donate =donation

6. Blending word formation processes

In addition, another important processe of word formation in which one word is intermixed with another to form a new word.

  • Web + seminar = webinar
  • Motor + hotel = motel
  • Hindi + English = Hinglish
  • Medical +care = Medicare
  • Work + alcoholic = Workaholic
  • Europe +Asia = Eurasia

7. Clipping formation processes

Obviously, in this process a new word is formed by shortening the basic words. On the basis of clipping of the word, there are various sub types of clipping.

Rather than going deep, we are going to see just some examples of these sub-processes.

  • Examination =exam
  • Celebrities =celebs
  • Photographs =photos
  • Telephone =phone
  • Rhinoceros =rhinos

After all, these are some of the major word formation processes important through the academic purpose.

Understanding Verb Phrases In English

Verb phrases are group of words act as a verb in a sentence. They may include another verb, adverb, preposition with a main verb after the verb portion of the sentences. So, to have better understanding about how they play the role of verbs in sentences, let’s see what are verb phrases in English.

Types of verb phrases in English language

Simply, on the basis of type of word used with the verb component in a sentence, verb phrases have two main types that is……

  1. Phrasal verbs
  2. Prepositional verbs

Let’s see one by one in detail.

1.What are phrasal verbs?

Phrasal verbs are a major type of verb phrases in which adverb is used after component of main verb of a sentence. They act as verbs of the sentences.

Verb + Adverb = Phrasal Verbs

Examples of Phrasal verbs

  • Call up : essue summon to someone
  • Carry out : execute the action
  • Turn down : to reject something
  • Break down : damage or fail
  • Break up : come to an end
  • Give away: to distribute among
  • Give up: stop doing or to loose something
  • Look forward : expect something with pleasure

Use of phrasal verbs in sentences:

  • The Supreme Court called up the organization in question.
  • He will carry out my responsibilities in my absence.
  • Sorry, your proposal is turned down by the board of directors.
  • Electricity supply mechanism broke down due to last night’s thunderstorm.
  • Finally, strong partnership for the first wicket has broken up.
  • Try out for another alternative but don’t give up before such a truffle difficulty.
  • Employees are looking forward for increment as Christmas gift.

2. What are Prepositional verbs :

When prepositions come after the verb to play the role of verbs in sentences such prepositions with verbs are called as prepositional verbs.

Verb + Preposition = Prepositional Verbs

Examples of Prepositional verbs

  • Take off : to take a leap from the surface
  • Run into : collide on something
  • Break into : to enter forcefully
  • Break through : make way or achieve notable success
  • Go by: make judgment
  • Call on : to give visit.
  • Look after : to take care of
  • Bring up : educate and raise

Use of prepositional verbs in sentences

Sorry sir, you can not enter right now , because flight is ready to take off from runway.

A car ran into the bush due to loss of control over by its driver.

By breaking through the ongoing uncertainty, he got a position in the national team

Customers always go by cost of the product and not quality.

Mr. President called on flood affected region yesterday.

You have to look after your parents.

We are brought up with well manners.

Finally, this short introduction about verb phrases will help you to improve your writing as well as day to day conversation in English language.

Describing functions of Preposition

Transition words and phrases

Primary and secondary securities

Types and examples of Prepositions

Noun Clause And Adjective Clause

Linking and helping verbs explained

Linking and helping verbs