verbformsverb

Verbformsverb is a term coined in linguistics to describe a hypothetical class of verbs whose primary function is to denote or manipulate the verbal forms of another verb within a clause. The name blends 'verb' and 'forms' with 'verb' to foreground a meta-linguistic role. In many languages, information about verb form—such as tense, aspect, or mood—is expressed with auxiliaries or affixes; verbformsverb offers a compact label for this meta-function in theoretical treatments or constructed languages.

Morphology and syntax. A verbformsverb would typically interact with its embedded clause by selecting or projecting the form of the following verb. Depending on the theory, it could take inflectional markers or govern a subordinate verb phrase to indicate the target form. The semantics are relational, focusing on the form rather than the content of the action.

Usage and examples. The term is not widely adopted in standard grammars and is primarily found in theoretical discussions, typological sketches, or conlangs. It helps linguists discuss how languages encode information about verb form separately from the main predicate.

Relationship to related concepts. Verbformsverb relates to meta-verbs, evidential or tense-reporting constructions, and auxiliary systems, but distinguishes itself by treating the form description as the core predicate rather than a modifier of aspect, polarity, or modality. Its empirical status remains limited and debated.