donnach
Member
- Joined
- Feb 2, 2008
- Member Type
- Other
- Native Language
- English
- Home Country
- United States
- Current Location
- United States
I don't understand if the Simple Aspect describes events which are seen to be completed or if it describes events that do not state whether the action is completed or on-going.
I think these two websites are saying conflicting things? Are they?
Website #1:
The Simple Aspect is used to describe actions or events which are seen to be completed. For this reason one must use the Simple tenses (not the Continuous), such as the Present Simple, the Past Simple, the Future Simple and so forth. These can be events which are permanent, complete, habitual or mere facts. Here are a few examples:
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. (permanent / fact)
We went to the cinema yesterday. (complete action)
John wakes up at 6am every day. (habitual)
Website #2:
Simple Aspect
Any verb (in the past, present or future) in the indefinite (or simple) tense is said to be in the "indefinite aspect" (also called the "simple aspect"). Such verbs are used to describe actions but do not state whether the action is complete or on-going.
Examples:
In the past: I went / they ate / she felt <----How is this NOT state whether the action is complete or on-going?
(the simple past tense)
In the present: I go / we clean / it recovers
(the simple present tense)
In the future: I will go / you will act / he will fly
(the simple future tense)
Thank you,
Donna
I think these two websites are saying conflicting things? Are they?
Website #1:
The Simple Aspect is used to describe actions or events which are seen to be completed. For this reason one must use the Simple tenses (not the Continuous), such as the Present Simple, the Past Simple, the Future Simple and so forth. These can be events which are permanent, complete, habitual or mere facts. Here are a few examples:
Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. (permanent / fact)
We went to the cinema yesterday. (complete action)
John wakes up at 6am every day. (habitual)
Website #2:
Simple Aspect
Any verb (in the past, present or future) in the indefinite (or simple) tense is said to be in the "indefinite aspect" (also called the "simple aspect"). Such verbs are used to describe actions but do not state whether the action is complete or on-going.
Examples:
(the simple past tense)
(the simple present tense)
(the simple future tense)
Thank you,
Donna