Inchoative Verbs
What is inchoative verb?
An inchoative verb, also known as an inceptive verb, is a type of verb that indicates the beginning or onset of a process or a change in the state of something. In other words, it expresses the beginning of an action or the onset of a state.
Examples of inchoative verbs in English include "begin," "commence," "start," "initiate," "launch," "embark," "set out," "enter upon," and "undertake."
Here are some examples of inchoative verbs used in sentences:
- She began to learn French last year.
- The project commenced on Monday.
- The race started at 8 am sharp.
- He initiated a new policy for the company.
- The ship embarked on its maiden voyage.
- They set out to explore the wilderness.
- The artist entered upon a new phase in his career.
- She undertook a rigorous training program to prepare for the marathon.
Inchoative verbs can be contrasted with causative verbs, which express the causing of an action or state, and stative verbs, which express a state or condition that is ongoing rather than beginning or ending.
Inchoative verb list
Here are some examples of inchoative verbs in English:
- Begin
- Commence
- Start
- Initiate
- Launch
- Embark
- Set out
- Enter upon
- Undertake
- Dawn
- Emerge
- Form
- Arise
- Develop
- Evolve
- Grow
- Materialize
- Manifest
- Occur
- Spring up
- Take shape
- Turn into
It's important to note that not all of these verbs are exclusively inchoative; some of them can also have other meanings depending on the context.
