Degree Achievement Verbs and Their Aspectual Classes

The aspectual categorization for degree achievement verbs (DAVs) has caused problems within a traditional theory of aspect assuming the four Vendler classes simply because DAVs show characteristics of more than one type of verb aspect. Instead of four aspectual classes, this paper proposes three aspect types at the lexical level, as in Kenny (1963) or Verkuyl (1972, 1989). It will be shown that when a model of verb aspect based on simpler featural distinctions is adopted, DAVs can be categorized as a single group. In particular, if only two features, [dynamic] and [transitional], are assumed to be working to determine lexical aspect, then all DAVs are naturally categorized as Activities. In other words, DAVs are all [-transitional] at the lexical level. Meanwhile, at the phrasal level, some DAVs undergo aspect shift when they are combined with proper arguments or adjuncts. As a result, they can function as Performances. Also at this level, [durative] comes into play, and Performances are further divided into Accomplishments and Achievements, according to the value of [durative].