Michael, I've also notice how the negative versions have a different meaning for "go." I think in your examples there is a highly subjective (modal) nature to the interpretation. The feelings of the person making the statement are more prominent than the objective meaning of the gerund. The request in "don't go" seems to be "don't enter into that mode of behavior, which I disapprove of." So we seem to have a habituative at the objective level and pejorative at the subjective level. The term "aspect" has been used in several ways, so it is hard to say how it might enter in. Bruce >>> [log in to unmask] 3/8/2005 7:19:52 AM >>> I wonder whether we could follow the classification of verbs by semantic groups set up by Biber, et al in the Longman Grammar of Spoken & Written English in understanding structures like "go camping." According to Biber et al's classification, "go VERBing" would fit best under "aspectual verbs" along with "start, keep, stop, begin, continue." Although Johanna has shared some verb phrases that go beyond the "recreational" ones that Martha pointed to, we would still have to admit that "go VERBing" has a narrower application than the other verbs of the aspectual class. However, if we negate the VP, then the range seems to expand: "Don't go leaving your socks all over the room." "Don't go playing with those boys anymore." (activity verbs) "Don't go asking for more money." (communication verbs) "Don't go supposing I will step in and help again." (mental verbs) R. Michael Medley, Ph.D. Intensive English Program/TESL program Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA 22802 [log in to unmask] (540) 432-4051 To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ This message may contain confidential information, and is intended only for the use of the individual(s) to whom it is addressed. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at: http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html and select "Join or leave the list" Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/