TENSE AND ASPECT

Abstract

Tense and aspect form the foundation of temporal expression in English grammar, guiding how speakers locate events in time and describe their internal structure. Tense indicates when an event occurs, while aspect reveals whether the action is ongoing, completed, habitual, or connected to another moment. For learners of English, especially those whose native languages lack a comparable aspectual system, distinguishing between these categories can be difficult. This research examines the functions of tense and aspect, drawing on established linguistic theories as well as original analysis of ten sentences that change meaning depending on aspectual choice. The results emphasize the pedagogical need for systematic instruction and demonstrate that targeted practice significantly improves learners’ accuracy, fluency, and communicative effectiveness.