Cambridge Grammar of English Hardback with cd-rom a comprehensive Guide

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539 Glossary for any unfamiliar terms

Introduction to word classes and phrase classes | 305

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Verb phrases: aspect 

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Verb phrases can also indicate aspect. The two aspects are progressive and

perfect. Aspect adds information about the speaker’s perspective on time.

Progressive

The progressive aspect is formed with auxiliary be form and the -ing form of a

lexical verb. It adds information to the verb concerning the speaker’s perception

of events as unfolding in time, without reference to starting or finishing points:

We

’re leaving now.

I 

was walking into town yesterday, and I saw Sue outside the cinema. 

Progressive aspect may occur in verb phrases involving modal verbs:

We 

could be waiting for ages.

I 

might be working next Saturday.

Progressive aspect does not combine with non-tensed verbs in the -ing form:

Sitting there like that, you remind me of my father.

(Being sitting there like that, you remind me of my father.)

Progressive aspect may combine with a to-infinitive verb phrase:

To be buying shares, you need to know the stockmarket really well.

Perfect

The perfect aspect is formed with auxiliary have and the -ed form of a lexical verb.

It gives information about the duration of events and the relationship of events to

one another in time:

I

’ve made a lot of friends since I moved here.

We

’d forgotten all about it.

The perfect aspect may occur in verb phrases which include modal verbs:

He 

could have rung me.

The perfect aspect may occur with non-tensed verbs in the to-infinitive and the 

-ing form:

To have read my emails, she’d have needed to know the password.

Having bought it, we ought to use it.