Verbal systems
المؤلف:
R.M.W. Dixon
المصدر:
A Semantic approach to English grammar
الجزء والصفحة:
25-2
2023-03-08
1039
Verbal systems
The basic distinctions of mood, reality status, modality, tense and aspect in English are set out in Table 2.2, together with illustrative examples involving the verb swim. Modal and semi-modal verbs, which express modalities within irrealis. Note that is -ing, often called ‘progressive’ or ‘continuous’, is here termed ‘imperfective’ (as opposed to -s, the ‘perfect- imperative mood, used in commands; base form of the verb: Swim! non-imperative mood, used in statements and questions: He has swum; Has he swum?
irrealis status, something which is uncertain in the future, or was unrealized in the past
nine modalities, expressed by modal and/or semi-modal verbs, for example, Prediction She will swim, Imminent activity She is about to swim
each may be further specified by perfective/imperfective and actual/ previous aspects; for example She will have been swimming
realis status, something which has reality in past, present or future time
generic tense: Ducks swim
future tense
established aspect: We swim in the race tomorrow
particular aspect: We’re swimming in the river tomorrow
present tense
actual perfective aspect: She swims
actual imperfective aspect: She is swimming
previous perfective aspect: She has swum
previous imperfective aspect: She has been swimming
past tense
actual perfective aspect: She swam
actual imperfective aspect: She was swimming
previous perfective aspect: She had swum
previous imperfective aspect: She had been swimming
ive’). The term ‘perfect’ has traditionally been used for has -en, but this does not accord with the general linguistic meaning of ‘perfect’—to describe ‘an action, etc. considered as a completed whole’. Has -en is here termed ‘previous’ aspect, as opposed to ‘actual’ aspect -s. The terms are justified—and the aspectual systems will be explained and illustrated.
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