Denominal Converted Verbs with Particles in English: Unlocking the Semantic-Ontological Role of Nominal Bases and Particles through a Lexical-Semantic Approach

Abstract

This paper investigates the interaction between particle verb formation and noun-to-verb conversion in English complex verbs such as lawyer up and fence off, using a framework built on the findings of the lexical-semantic investigations into the latter process.  Although the syntax and semantics of English denominal conversion verbs have been well studied, the issue of how a particle can be integrated has not yet been explored. This paper addresses this issue by examining (i) which conversion verb type prefers which particle (up, out, off, or down) and (ii) how the rich lexical semantics of the base noun and the particle contribute to the production and interpretation of new verbs. Regarding the first question, the correlation is particularly evident in the following pairings: Instrumental and out, Similative and out, Ornative and up, Performative and out, Causative and out, Inchoative and up, and Privative and off. Regarding the second question, we observe that cognitive image schemas, such as UP IS MORE and BODIES ARE CONTAINERS, underlie the interplay between the noun and the particle.  Overall, the results lend support to the lexical-semantic approach to conversion and particle verbs, particularly from a cognitive-semantic perspective.

Publication History:
submitted: 19 October 2025
first review: 3 December 2025
second review: 29 October 2025
revised: 14 January 2026
third review: 5 February 2026
accepted: 6 February 2026
published: 1 April 2026