In Light Verb Constructions, the Verb is Light in English, but the Matter is Different in Quranic Arabic

Abstract

Though light verb constructions have been in the focus of linguistic analysis in English for a fair time, there is no full-fledged linguistic study that tackles such a linguistic phenomenon in Arabic, especially Quranic Arabic. Thus, this paper throws light on such a unique construction in both languages, focusing on the peculiarities that make it so prevalent in Quranic Arabic. The study is divided into two parts. In the first part, light verb constructions in English are discussed, showing their structure, their pros and cons, and justifications for and objections to using them. In the second part, composite predicate (a more suitable term than light verb constructions) is used to refer to periphrastic constructions in Quranic Arabic. In this part, as opposed to light verb constructions in English which have only one function, six functions of the composite predicate in Quranic Arabic are set forth. These functions include 1. obviating ambiguity resulting from the use of a polysemous simple verb, 2. expressing continuity and eternity of an action when a specific aspectual property is intended, 3. compensating for the nonexistence of a corresponding simple verb, 4. evoking certain psychological and mental effects, 5. avoiding dysphemism, and 6. expressing the perfection of performing some rituals.