cognate accusative

Definitions

An object of kindred sense or derivation; specifically, that which may adverbially follow an intransitive verb (for example, the word death in “to die the death”).

Equivalents

Examples

“These accusatives cognate are to be translated into English.”

“The extent of action of the verb may be expressed by a substantive of the same meaning as the verb, accompanied (usually) by an oblique adjectival predicate. (Cognate accusative.)”

“What is often termed the cognate accusative (or objective) (as in ‘to run⟳ a race⟳,’ ‘to die⟳ a happy death’) should more properly be classed among the adverbial adjuncts. [Footnote: The cognate objective sometimes appears in a metaphorical shape⟳, as in “to look⟳ daggers at a person”; “To rain⟳ fire and brimstone.” The vague pronoun it is freely used in this construction, as, “We shall have⟳ to rough it”; “Go it, boys,” &c.]”

CEFR level