Re: Distinguishing an object and a separate noun

CalifJim — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 20:30:50 GMT

Here's the relevant definition from that first link.

intr.v. verged, vergÂ·ing, vergÂ·es

To approach the nature or condition of something specified; come close. Used with on: a brilliance verging on genius.

Note the abbreviation intr. This means intransitive. That is, the verb does not take an object. (A transitive verb can take an object.)

In the second link, three kinds of objects are described. The first two (direct and indirect) are objects of verbs; the third is the object of a preposition. Now the verb verge, we see above, cannot take an object, so the only object possible in your example is the third type -- object of a preposition. And the preposition is on.

verged - on - greatness = verb - preposition - object of the preposition on.
verged - on - disaster = verb - preposition - object of the preposition on.

In that second link, the term "prepositional object of the verb" is very confusing. If I were you, I would not take this terminology too seriously. This is a term sometimes used for the complement of a "prepositional verb", that is, a combination of verb and preposition which is fairly fixed in meaning and acts as a unit, like 'listen to'. It is an open question whether 'verge on' can be considered such a verb.

In that link, the introduction of this advanced bit of specialized information in the middle of a simple explanation of the three types of objects serves no purpose except to confuse, and the author would have done better to omit it.

I hope this helps.
CJ

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Re: Distinguishing an object and a separate noun