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Sometimes here I've been taught that some form is "continuative". I read some
webpages to try to understand what it means, but I'm not getting it. For
example, this webpage

<http://www.epochrypha.com/japanese/materials/verbs/teform.html>

says the "te" form is a continuative form because "it forms a subordinate
clause that requires a main clause for completion." What is the main clause
this clause is subordinated when you use it as imperative? . That webpage also
says the main clause can be implied but I dont see which one it could be in
cases like Tabete kudasai.
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2017-06-26T20:26:55.343
48778
2017-06-26T20:39:59.013
9878
question
syntax
What does it mean a form to be "continuative" in japanese?
Don't get caught up in the name of the form. It's just a name to help identify
what is being talked about.

It mostly just refers to a form of the verb that implies there's yet more that
needs to be said. The name itself, "continuative", was probably arrived at
because the verb form itself needs for something more to happen before there's
a complete thought: so, the form suggests that there's more _to continue_
after what's just been said.

Frequently, but not always, the _continuative_ functions like _-ing_
participles in English. Sometimes it's rendered into English as "... and ..."

> ビールを **飲んで** 運転するのはダメだ。
>
> Drinking beer and then driving is bad.
>
> 銀行に **行って** 喫茶店で昼を過ごしました。
>
> I went to the bank, and .... spent the afternoon at a cafe.
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2017-06-26T20:39:59.013
48779
2017-06-26T20:39:59.013
2020-06-17T08:18:27.500
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answer