Volition/Intent Phase 4: A multi-verb category related to the single-verb category, state.  Initially, the first verb is a modal (e.g., wanna, gonna) that indicates the child’s desire or intent regarding the complement. The subject of each verb is the same. Children initially omit the infinitive “to”.

 

 

Utterance

Context/Explanation

I want eat

Child stating desire to eat (subject + verb – to + verb)

Gonna hit you

Child intent on harming other child (verb/modal – to + verb phrase)

I wanna go home

Child noting desire to leave (subject + verb/modal – to + verb phrase)