http://www.usingenglish.com/glossary/ergative-verb.html
It looks as if this is a term for verbs in passive form.
John ate the hamburger. (standard active form)
The hamburger was eaten by John. (passive verb; ergative verb since the verb's action had an effect on the subject)
could any one please explain the grammatical term : ERGATIVE verb
4 answers
Keep in mind that not all passive verbs will be ergative verbs.
Here are passive structures that are not ergative:
~It has been said that the weather is in a la niƱa pattern.
~He has been called a gruff disciplinarian in the past.
Here are passive structures that are ergative:
~The baseball was hit out of the park.
~The television was smashed by the hammer.
Here are passive structures that are not ergative:
~It has been said that the weather is in a la niƱa pattern.
~He has been called a gruff disciplinarian in the past.
Here are passive structures that are ergative:
~The baseball was hit out of the park.
~The television was smashed by the hammer.
thank you verymuch writeacher for clarifying my query on ergative verb which indicates that it could be used both transitively and intransitively eg : the door broke. thanks a lot
You're welcome.