Word info

preverbal

Speech parts

1. preverbal - Noun

2. preverbal - Adjective

Meaning

(child development) At an early stage of development in which one is not yet able to communicate by means of words.

(linguistics, of a part of speech) Occurring before the verb in a sentence or expression.

preverbal (plural preverbals)

(grammar) A preverb.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

Examples

In wh-questions the question word occupies the preverbal field, regardless of whether its grammatical role is subject or object or adverbial. Source: Internet

In yes/no questions the preverbal field is empty, so that the sentence begins with the verb. Source: Internet

Mi is an example of a preverbal particle; such particles are common in Welsh. Source: Internet

There is no rule that subjects must occur in the preverbal slot, but since subject and topic often coincide, they often do. Source: Internet

Welsh lacks separate pronouns for constructing subordinate clauses; instead, special verb forms or relative pronouns that appear identical to some preverbal particles are used. Source: Internet

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