Leo
When "wax" refers to talk about something in an emotional way When "wax" refers to talk about something in an emotional way, why it will be followed by an adjective rather than an adverb? Thank you. Such as: 1, He waxed lyrical (why not lyrically?) about the skills and commitment of his employees. 2, Her mother waxed eloquent (why not eloquently? ) on the theme of wifely duty.
8 juin 2013 10:10
Réponses · 6
2
One of the original meanings of "to wax" is "to grow," as in "he waxed fat." (from 16th century English). This meaning survives in ''to wax lyrical," ''to wax eloquent," etc.
8 juin 2013
2
Leo, Because in this usage "to wax" means the same as " to become" and is treated as a linking verb. Linking verbs link with adjectives.
8 juin 2013
Vous n'avez pas encore trouvé vos réponses ?
Écrivez vos questions et profitez de l'aide des locuteurs natifs !