Investigating Malaysian Learners’ Preference in the Use of One-Word Verbs vs Multi-Word Verbs

Abstract

One option in English is to choose between one-word verbs (‘perform the experiment’) and multi-word equivalents (‘carry out the experiment’). Multi-word verbs are a characteristic of informal spoken discourse with a colloquial tone. According to previous studies, English language learners frequently struggle with and sometimes even avoid using this feature in spoken and written discourse. A total of 116 language learners in a Malaysian university undergoing various study programs and levels of study participated in the study. A test consisting of 45 MCQ items is adapted to explore Malaysian learners’ preference in utilising multi-word vs. one-word verbs in casual spoken contexts. The study also intends to examine whether learners’ gender and level of study affect the likelihood of employing multi-word verbs. It is hoped that the study's findings will inform language teachers and language material providers to consider including more multi-word units in teaching and learning.