TENSE AND ASPECT IN ENGLISH: UNDERSTANDING THEIR FUNCTIONS AND CHALLENGES
Keywords:
Tense, aspect, grammar, English language, verb forms, past simple, present perfect, progressive aspect, habitual actions, language learning, teaching strategies.Abstract
Tense and aspect are fundamental components of English grammar that help speakers express when an action happens and how it unfolds over time. While tense situates an event in the past, present, or future, aspect conveys whether the action is ongoing, completed, or habitual. Despite their importance, learners often struggle with these concepts due to the complexity of English verb forms and the subtle distinctions between different aspects. This paper explores the functions of tense and aspect in English, identifies common challenges learners face, and discusses effective teaching methods that can improve comprehension and usage.
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