Complex verbs

In English, concepts such as complex words, complex sentences... are probably too familiar. But have you ever come across complex verbs? This name sounds quite strange, right? So what are complex verbs? What is their function in a sentence? Join EnglishVocabulary to answer all the above questions through the article below!

1. Concept of complex verbs

 Complex verbs are verbs that describe the subject's action of "assigning" a certain property or identity to the object.

The above definition seems a bit confusing to read, so let's look at the following two examples:

  • I find the movie boring.

    → verb find "assign" to the object the movie a property is boring.

    (the movie = boring)

  • They named the boy Alex.

    → verb name "assign" to the object the boy an identity is Alex.

    (the boy = Alex)

Complex verbs

They named the boy Alex.

2. Two common structures of complex verbs

- Complex Verb + Object  + Adjective (assign properties to the object)

  • He drives me crazy.

  • She finds the story interesting.

  • We painted the wall yellow.

- Complex Verb + Object + (as) + Noun Phrase (assign identity to object)

  • The council elected him (as) President.

  • People consider him a hero.

Complex verbs

We painted the wall yellow.

Depending on the meaning, each complex verb can be used in structure 1 or structure 2. Next, let's learn about the most common complex verbs in English and their meanings:

3. Common complex verbs

Below are common complex verbs arranged into several groups based on their meaning:

Opinions/feelings:
  • believe = believe it is
  • consider = see as
  • find = notice

Stated:

  • declare = statement

  • label = assign to, list

  • name = name

  • pronounce = declare, announce

Make / cause:

  • drive = make, cause

  • make = make, cause

  • render = make, cause

  • send = make, cause

  • hold = keep

  • keep = keep

  • turn = make

Let:
  • leave= let
  • set= let

Select:

  • appoint = appointment

  • elect = vote

Comment:

  • rate = evaluate, evaluate

  • judge = evaluate, consider


For example:

  • People consider him the best scientist of the 20th century.

  • She pronounced him the winner of the competition.

  • The earthquake rendered thousands of people homeless.

  • Please leave me alone!

    Let's me alone!

  • They appointed her (as) captain of the basketball team.

Complex verbs

She pronounced him the winner of the competition.

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