8/13/2019 Aspect (English Grammar)

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Aspect

Aspect indicates whether the action of a verb is complete or not.

There are four aspects: simple (or infinite), perfect (or complete), progressive (or

continuous), and the perfect continuous. Some linguists argue that the perfect continuous is

not a true aspect because it is a combination of the perfect and continuous aspects.Look at the examples below that illustrate their meaning.

A.The simple (infinite) aspectdoes not relate to the flow of time (it does not indicate

where on a time line an action begins or ends), but merely states whether or not the

action occurs. It is used to indicate habitual or repeated actions or conditions.

Monkeys eatbananas.

The verb eat tells only what monkeys eat.

B.The perfect (complete) aspectindicates that the end of the action or condition is known

and is used to emphasize the fact that the action is complete. The action may, however,

may be completed in the present, in the past, or in the future.

The moneys have eatenthe bananas.

In this sentence, the action took place in the past, but it is implied that it took place

recently and is still relevant at the time of speaking.

C.The progressive (continuous) aspectindicates that the action or condition is ongoing

in the present, the past, or the future.The monkeys are eatingthe bananas.

In this example the action of eating bananas is still in progress.

D. The Perfect Progressive (continuous) aspectindicates that an action has, had, or will

be

in progress at a particular point in time. It is frequently used to indicate the duration of

an action or event.

I had been studying for six hours before I took a break.

In this sentence the action of studying is complete