Mastering Verb Teamwork
The movie “Braveheart” (1995), produced in 1995, is a film about freedom. The protagonist, Mel Gibson, utters the word “Freedom!” as he dies. “Braveheart” depicts the love and struggle of William (Mel Gibson), a Scottish hero from the 13th century, against the tyranny of England, portraying Scotland’s resistance.
The following dialogue is William Wallace’s speech before the final battle:
William Wallace: You have come to fight as free men, and free men you are. What will you do with that freedom? Will you fight? Aye, fight and you may die, run and you’ll live. At least a while.
And dying in your beds many years from now, would you be willing to trade all the days from this day to that for one chance, just one chance to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take (away) our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!
In the original line “They may take (away) our lives, but they’ll never take our freedom!” the word “away” does not follow “take.” The verb “take” means to “carry off” or “seize.” Adding “away” after this verb strengthens the expression, implying “to rob,” “to make disappear,” or “to deprive.”
Korean verbs can change form in a variety of ways to create different expressions. In contrast, English uses a combination of words (dubbed the “Verb Avengers”) to create detailed and vivid expressions.
Verb Avengers formula: <modal verb + adverb of frequency + verb + adverb + preposition>
Another component of the Verb Avengers is the adverb and preposition that appear last. They can act separately or sometimes show teamwork together. Anyway, the preposition or adverb that appears after the verb helps by reinforcing the verb’s meaning or enabling a variety of expressions.
CHARLOTTE VALE: Oh, Jerry, don’t let’s ask for the moon. We have the stars. (NOW, VOYAGER: 1942)
The verb ‘ask’ means to inquire or question. When used with ‘for,’ it gains a more precise meaning of ‘asking about’ something or ‘seeking’ something. However, in some cases, the meaning can significantly differ from the original verb’s meaning.
CAPT. RENAULT: Round up the usual suspects. (CASABLANCA: 1942)
The verb ’round’ can mean ‘to make round,’ ‘to complete,’ or ‘to turn.’ However, ’round up’ takes on quite different meanings such as ‘to gather,’ ‘to resolve,’ ‘to arrest,’ or ‘to round off.’ The idiomatic uses commonly referred to as phrasal verbs in grammar books are mostly expressions that acted as Verb Avengers before becoming idiomatically fixed. Examples include ‘pick up,’ ‘make up,’ ‘put on,’ ‘turn on,’ ‘turn off,’ ‘turn down,’ ‘pick out,’ ‘take care of,’ ‘look after,’ ‘make a berth to,’ ‘put off,’ ‘look for,’ etc. While the meaning can significantly differ from the original verb, it’s essential to interpret these keeping the original word’s nuance in mind.
MRS. PARKER: You’ll shoot your eye out. -A CHRISTMAS STORY>
To ‘shoot it out (with somebody)’ means to decide a conflict with a shootout or to finish something definitively. A ‘shoot-out’ becomes a prolonged exchange of gunfire until a conclusion is reached. Thus, to ‘shoot one’s eye out’ could be interpreted as looking at someone as if shooting them in the eye intensely.
It’s challenging to summarize the multitude of expressions here. What we want to emphasize is that <modal verb + frequency adverb + verb + adverb + preposition> together enable more sophisticated and precise expressions than what a verb can express on its own.
RICK BLAINE: Here’s looking at you, kid – Casablanca>
In the movie Casablanca, Humphrey Bogart, as Rick Blaine, says “Here’s looking at you, kid” to Ingrid Bergman’s character, Ilsa. This line is Rick’s way of showing affection and playfully flirting with Ilsa. It highlights a close and admiring moment between them. Despite its simple appearance, this line deeply reflects their complex relationship, which is full of love, memories, and dreams that haven’t come true. Even though Rick isn’t drinking, the phrase is like a toast to Ilsa.
Bernstein: Old age. It’s the only disease, Mr. Thompson, that you don’t look forward to being cured of. – Citizen Kane>
‘Look forward to’ is a phrasal verb meaning ‘to anticipate something.’ As demonstrated, the verb ‘look’ can be used in various expressions. Consider the following scene from Die Hard where McClane’s wife bravely confronts the terrorist, Hans.
Holly Gennero McClane: I have a request.
Hans Gruber: What idiot put you in charge?
Holly Gennero McClane: You did. When you murdered my boss. Now everybody’s looking to me. Personally, I’d pass on the job. I don’t enjoy being this close to you. – Die Hard>
답글 남기기