Chapter 4 Conversion Conversion Definition Examples She singled him out at once as a possible victim. (adj→v) He elbowed forward through the crowd. (n→v) It was a beautiful win. (v→n) Conversion Conversion is to use words of one class as those of different classes. Conversion is the change of word-class in actual use. Other names: functional shift = change of functions zero-derivation = derivation by adding zero affix Conversion Continental quilts simplify bed-making. (simple → simple + -ify) She singled him out at once as a possible victim. (single →single) Conversion Conversion involves mainly three classes of words: nouns verbs adjectives. Conversion 1. Conversion to N (nouns) V to N (1) State (of mind or sensation) He has a deep love for his country. (2) Event or activity The class has decided to have a swim in the afternoon. Conversion (3) Result of the action The fishermen were very happy to have a good catch this time. (4) Doer of the action The boy is such a bore. It seems he never speaks. (5) Tool or instrument to do the action with Better hammer the nail in. Conversion (6) Place of the action This road is dangerous, for it has many sharp turns. Conversion Phrasal verbs to N (nouns) hand out 分发 hand-out 施舍物/印刷品 stand by 旁观 stand-by 备用(人员/物) lay by 储存/备用 lay-by 路侧停车处 shut down关闭 shut-down 关闭 right-branching Conversion Phrasal verbs to N (nouns) break out outbreak fall down downfall flow over overflow cry out outcry left-branching
