Time Structure of English Verbs

Abstract

The feature (durative) is considered. Attempts have been made to refine & extend Z. Vendler's analysis (eg, Linguistics in Philosophy, Cornell U Press, 1967). However, the contention here is that Vs should not be discussed in the context of superimposed qualifications (eg, to draw a circle) or quantifications (eg, to run a mile), for such an allowance of superimpositions is open-ended. The contrast in (+/-durative) is not only a necessary & sufficient distinction in the time structure of Vs, but also the only distinction that can be made without adding superimpositions to the Vs. The perfect continuous aspect rather than the simple continuous, which Vendler uses, has been proved to be the valid frame for the testing of the time structure of Vs. The change of state for both achievements & accomplishments are proved to occur at a point in time rather than in an interval, as claimed by D. Dowty (see LLBA 11/2, 7802242). HA.