Lecture 11 Tense and Aspect (I) the simple present the simple past the present progressive the past progressive

form Function 11.1 Uses of Simple Present Definition: Uses: The simple present is the present tense form which is not accompanied by the category of aspect, that is which is not marked for the progressive or the perfective aspect. form Uses: 1) Timeless present 2) Habitual present 3) Momentary and instantaneous present 4) Referring to the future 5) Referring to the past Function

Honesty is the best policy. A rolling stone gathers no moss. 1. Timeless Present Honesty is the best policy. A rolling stone gathers no moss. London stands on the River Thames. This use of the simple present mostly applies to Stative Verbs

Expressions for "Frequency" 2. Habitual Present Expressions for "Frequency" simple present - used when mentioning: habits skills customs indicates permanence        always most of the time usually sometimes half of the time often frequently occasionally rarely seldom hardly ever never I usually work 9 to 5. He often plays golf on Saturday. We always eat dinner together. Frequently, we have lunch out. We never eat breakfast together.  implied time: always (habits) "as long as I can remember" (customs) weaken

3. Momentary and Instantaneous Present A. Momentary present (现时状态） A momentary phenomenon that exists at the time of speaking. has some duration associated with stative verbs What’s the matter with you? You look pale. What do you think, Jane?

B. Instantaneous Present (现在瞬间动作）： the event takes place singly and once-for-all within the moment of speaking. has little or no duration Always dynamic Used in certain speech situations such as: a. Commentaries of fast-moving sports: Harper passes the ball to Jennings; Jennings shoots and the goalkeeper leaps for it but – yes, it’s a goal.

b. The running commentary (Conjuror:) Look, I take this card from the pack and place it under the handkerchief-so. (Demonstrator:) Now I put the cake mixture into this bowl and add a drop of vanilla essence. c. Some formal declarations: I declare the meeting open.

4) Referring to the Future calendar timetable plan arrangement 4) Referring to the Future future events conceived of as “certain” Three sub clauses: I hope… I bet… I hope you have a good time. = I hope you will have a good time. see to it… make sure… make certain… I’ll make sure you don’t get lost. =…you won’t get lost. If it is fine tomorrow, we will go to the countryside if / when… wrong If it will be fine tomorrow, …

5) Simple Present Referring to the Past tell, say, hear, learn, write a. Communication Verbs to express the present effect of information received in the past Alice tells me you’re entering college next year. I hear poor old Mrs. Smith has lost her son. b. Historic Present: as a device of story-telling and news reporting to add vividness to the description I was just dozing off in front of the television when my wife rushes in shouting that the kitchen is on fire.