ABSTRACT

Every language has its peculiar problems of meaning for the foreign learner. In the English language, some of the biggest yet most fascinating problems are concentrated in the area of the finite verb phrase: in particular, tense, aspect, mood and modality.

Meaning and the English Verb describes these fields in detail for teachers and advanced students of English as a foreign or second language. This new third edition uses up-to-date examples to show differences and similarities between American and British english, reflecting a great deal of recent research in this area. It also takes account of the subtle changes which are taking place in the language today.

In print for over 30 years, Meaning and the English Verb has established itself as a recognised authority on the meaning and use of verb constructions in English. This updated third edition will ensure that it remains an invaluable text for teachers and students of English worldwide.

chapter |4 pages

Introduction

chapter Chapter 1|13 pages

Simple Present and Past Tenses

chapter Chapter 2|17 pages

Progressive Aspect

chapter Chapter 3|20 pages

The Expression of Past Time

chapter Chapter 4|17 pages

The Expression of Future Time

chapter Chapter 5|18 pages

The Primary Modal Auxiliaries

chapter Chapter 6|17 pages

Modality Continued

chapter Chapter 7|7 pages

Indirect Speech

chapter Chapter 8|19 pages

Mood

Theoretica and Hypothetical Meaning