Where is the 'do'?
Posted: Fri Feb 12, 2010 6:45 am
I need not go home--need is a semiauxiliary, instead of a lexical/ordinary verb.
It is clear 'need' is an auxiliary, because it is followed by a bare infinitive, not a full infinitive.
Below, however, are not examples of verbs that can function as both auxiliaries and ordinary verbs, but of verbs that leave out the modal 'do' and sound slightly non-standard and contrived.
What is it about these verbs that allow them to exhibit these unique structures without the auxiliary 'do'?
I wish not to renew my subscription-instead of-I do not wish to renew my subscription.
I want not to go home-instead of-I do not want to go home.
It is clear 'need' is an auxiliary, because it is followed by a bare infinitive, not a full infinitive.
Below, however, are not examples of verbs that can function as both auxiliaries and ordinary verbs, but of verbs that leave out the modal 'do' and sound slightly non-standard and contrived.
What is it about these verbs that allow them to exhibit these unique structures without the auxiliary 'do'?
I wish not to renew my subscription-instead of-I do not wish to renew my subscription.
I want not to go home-instead of-I do not want to go home.