Three forms of English verb particle constructions

In this paper, I analyze a number of disparate behaviors of verbal particles in English verb particle constructions. I argue that there are three distinct structural configurations for verb particle constructions in English. English has two distinct forms of small clause particle constructions. In one the small clause is embedded by the root; in the other the predicate of the small clause embeds the root. English also has a complex head particle construction, where the particle is an unmodified head which occupies an argument position. The root embedding small clause particle can co-occur with the complex head particle—but no other combination of particles is permitted.

► English has three distinct structural configurations of verb particle constructions. ► Multiple particles in Latinates are associated with selectional properties of the root. ► Away may occupy an argument position.