Word + word = something totally different. ejemplo, acerca vs acerca de o cerca vs cerca de

Question

Hello all you fantastic españophiles! I have a question regarding things such as acerca de or cerca de. Those fun little word combinations that act as stand alone phrases that mean something different when together than it would if the words were on their own.

I know of the term "linked verbs" such as

• acabar por - to end up (by doing something)
• ir a - to go to
• contar en - to count on
• tener que - to have to (do something)
• acabar de - to have just (done something)
• etc...

I love these. They're fun and each time I learn one it's like a new tool to put into my bag of tricks.

But all of those seem to retain the inherent quality of the verb or an action whereas something like acerca is a verb alone (he/she/you/it brings close(r)) yet when you apply de after it and make it acerca de it now completely loses its verbal origins and becomes a preposition.

So... what are these called exactly? Is that considered a prepositional something ? a linked preposition perhaps? I dunno. But, I'd be interested if there was some sort of comprehensive list of examples that might be out there containing at least the most frequent ones. I found this page for the linked verb examples

http://users.ipfw.edu/jehle/courses/VRBSPREP.HTM

But nothing for the thing I'm describing.

Thanks in advance for what will undoubtedly be some awesome replies.

Lol, I'm sure you will get help. :) - rac1, Aug 20, 2014

none from you? *sniffle* - Hucklebeary, Aug 20, 2014

Answer 1

Yeah... so, anyone that's not drunk (or certifiable) able to answer this?

Despite the fact that I will neither claim that I am not drunk nor certifiable, I cannot help, because I only learn grammar when it helps make sure I pick the right formulation- and if I can figure it out with instinct instead, I ignore the grammar. - bosquederoble, Aug 23, 2014

Answer 2

Holy mother of god isn't it hard enough without introducing this mind blowing

stuff . Give us a break mate , wait until I have mastered Ser y estar , then I might

give it a burl . But at the moment I am between contemplating my navel and

firing off a rocket to the higher echelons of SD to find out why it is behaving like

a rabid Rabbit. I have posts to post , and comments to comment on , not forgetting

the PMs that need answering besides the inordinate amount of newbies that need

to be welcomed and encouraged to commit themselves to the greater good.

I am flat out like a Lizard drinking , as full as a goog, and as dry as a dead Dingos

whatnot , half a mo sport and i will get back to you .Leave your money on the

fridge and thank your mom for the Rabbits.

It's too early mate, put down the lemons and step awaaaay from the cuervo lol. - Hucklebeary, Aug 20, 2014

Hey mate if I was sucking lemons I would have done me narna big time , fair suck of the sav, had i gone for the giant whinge your huckleberies would have been burning. - ray76, Aug 21, 2014