an eventive complex predicate in which one of the elements, the support verb, has undergone semantic change -- specifically, semantic generalization -- such that it makes a minimal semantic contribution to the meaning of the whole complex predicate. This element no longer denotes a separate subevent of the whole event, unlike in basic eventive complex predicates. The verb forms in a support verb construction are also in a relatively idiosyncratic semantic relationship. Example: in English Frances Patterson underwent an operation at RMH today, underwent an operation is an instance of a support verb construction. The element other than the support verb is often in an action nominal or other form that is unlike the form of a simple (predicated) verb. (Section 13.5)