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Continuous aspect: meaning, definitions and examples

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continuous aspect

[ kənˈtɪnjuəs ˈæspɛkt ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

grammar

The continuous aspect is a grammatical category that indicates an ongoing action or state that is in progress at a specific time. It is formed by using a form of the verb 'to be' with the present participle of the main verb.

Synonyms

progressive aspect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
continuous aspect	Refer to this form in grammatical discussions, particularly in textbooks or teaching environments, focusing on its aspectual nature in language. The continuous aspect in English is formed using 'to be' and the present participle.
progressive aspect	Often used interchangeably with 'continuous aspect' but more frequently found in linguistic studies and academic discussions. It emphasizes the dynamic progression of the action. In the progressive aspect, we stress the fact that the event is ongoing. The progressive aspect is useful to highlight temporary actions.

Word

Description / Examples

continuous aspect

Refer to this form in grammatical discussions, particularly in textbooks or teaching environments, focusing on its aspectual nature in language.

The continuous aspect in English is formed using 'to be' and the present participle.

progressive aspect

Often used interchangeably with 'continuous aspect' but more frequently found in linguistic studies and academic discussions. It emphasizes the dynamic progression of the action.

In the progressive aspect, we stress the fact that the event is ongoing.
The progressive aspect is useful to highlight temporary actions.

Examples of usage

The continuous aspect is used to describe actions that were happening at a particular point in the past.
She is cooking dinner right now.
We were watching TV when the phone rang.

Translations

Translations of the word "continuous aspect" in other languages:

🇵🇹 aspecto contínuo

🇮🇳 सतत पक्ष

🇩🇪 kontinuierlicher Aspekt

🇮🇩 aspek kontinu

🇺🇦 тривалий аспект

🇵🇱 aspekt ciągły

🇯🇵 継続相

🇫🇷 aspect continu

🇪🇸 aspecto continuo

🇹🇷 sürekli görünüm

🇰🇷 지속적인 측면

🇸🇦 جانب مستمر

🇨🇿 nepřetržitý aspekt

🇸🇰 nepretržitý aspekt

🇨🇳 连续体

🇸🇮 neprekinjen vidik

🇮🇸 samfelldur þáttur

🇰🇿 үздіксіз аспект

🇬🇪 უწყვეტი ასპექტი

🇦🇿 davamlı aspekt

🇲🇽 aspecto continuo

Etymology

The concept of the continuous aspect in grammar dates back to ancient Greek and Latin languages. It has been an important aspect of English grammar since the Middle Ages. The term 'continuous aspect' became more widely used in the 20th century with the development of modern linguistics and grammar studies.