could any one please explain the grammatical term : ERGATIVE verb

Answer 1

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)

Answer 2

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 niña 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.

Answer 3

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

Answer 4

You're welcome.