The Simple Aspect

[donnach]

I don't understand if the Simple Aspect describes events which are seen to be completed or if it describes events that do not state whether the action is completed or on-going.

I think these two websites are saying conflicting things? Are they?

Website #1:

The Simple Aspect is used to describe actions or events which are seen to be completed. For this reason one must use the Simple tenses (not the Continuous), such as the Present Simple, the Past Simple, the Future Simple and so forth. These can be events which are permanent, complete, habitual or mere facts. Here are a few examples:

Water boils at 100 degrees Celsius. (permanent / fact)
We went to the cinema yesterday. (complete action)
John wakes up at 6am every day. (habitual)

Website #2:

Simple Aspect

Any verb (in the past, present or future) in the indefinite (or simple) tense is said to be in the "indefinite aspect" (also called the "simple aspect"). Such verbs are used to describe actions but do not state whether the action is complete or on-going.
Examples:

In the past: I went / they ate / she felt <----How is this NOT state whether the action is complete or on-going?
(the simple past tense)

In the present: I go / we clean / it recovers
(the simple present tense)

In the future: I will go / you will act / he will fly
(the simple future tense)

Thank you,

Donna

 

[5jj]

If you quote from a website, please acknowledge the source, ideally by providing a link


Time and Aspect in the English Verb System
http://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/indefinite_tense.htm

I find neither passage that you have quoted helpful - or even accurate.

 

[bhaisahab]

http://www.grammar-monster.com/gloss...nite_tense.htm is, well, monstrous.

 

[donnach]

If neither passage is helpful or accurate, is there a website you would recommend?

Thanks,

Donna

 

[Tdol]

The source for the first is here: Time and Aspect in the English Verb System

 

[Tdol]

I don't understand if the Simple Aspect describes events which are seen to be completed or if it describes events that do not state whether the action is completed or on-going.

If I say I drink coffee, I am describing a habit, so it is likely not be to completed. If I say I drank coffee yesterday, it is definitely completed. However, this is expressed through the present/past tense and context- past tense verbs in past time (not conditionals, etc) are by their nature finished.