Once again on the Polysemy of «saber + infinitivo» and its Grammatical Behavior: Another Vernacular Universal in Spanish

Abstract

This grammar note describes and analyzes the polysemy of the verb saber (‘to know’) in current Spanish. Specifically, it summarizes the values that it presents as a full verb or saber₁, with a base meaning of ability or capacity (Juan sabe nadar), and as a double auxiliary: saber₂ or frequent aspectual auxiliary verb equivalent to soler, acostumbrar (Los sillones vacios saben estar ocupados a veces), and saber₃ or culminative aspectual auxiliary verb similar to alcanzar, lograr, llegar a (Es un pais que supo ser esplendido). Likewise, the forms it adopts (saber + infinitive), the verb tenses in which it appears registered, and its use as a modal verb are reviewed. Documentation of this use throughout the history of the Spanish language as well as examples in other Romance languages is offered. All this allows us to propose that we are facing a vernacular universal in Spanish.