The evidence for these verbs to be complex is that complex words decomposed or break down into constituents; for-bid, for-get, for-give, for-go, for-swear. On the other hand, the possible evidence for these words being simplex is the for- is not “meaningful” in relation to the other verbs, bid, get, give, go, swear thus they can’t be broken down. I personally think that these words are complex, besides the given evidence for complex provided above, the prefix “for” is a “meaningful unit” that indicates ” someone or something going to” as well it can stand on its own and in relation to the other verbs add extra meaning.


