2. ASPECT

This is a category of grammar that shows whether an expression is in active or passive voice. Look at these two sentences

1.     The Headmaster gave two books to Amina. (Active voice)

2.     Amina was given two books by the Headmaster. (Passive voice)

The two sentences are saying the same thing but in a different ways. In sentence 1, the Headmaster is the Subject while Two books is the Direct Object, Amina is the Indirect Object. In sentence 2, Amina is the Subject, Two books is the Direct Object while the Headmaster is the Indirect Object.

In order to change an active sentence to a passive one, the active sentence must have at least a Subject and a Direct Object. In addition, it may have an Indirect Object.       

                                                          TENSE

This is the grammatical category of verb which expresses the time relationships of the action referred to in the sentence and the time of utterance. English language traditional grammar distinguishes three basic tenses namely: Present, Past and Future. Therefore, a tense represents the time or degree of completeness of the action or state represented by the verb.

                                     LIST OF VARIOUS TENSES

1.     THE PRESENT TENSE

This is used in showing the tense of the verb indicating when the action or event described occurs at the time of the utterance or when the speaker does not wish to make clear reference to time (of the action).

Examples: i. Ahmed prays every day.

                ii. Do you watch wrestling match?

The Present tense is divided into:

i.               The Present Simple Tense:

This is used to indicate:

a.     A Universal Truth: here we have matter that concerns all people, something common or affects all parts

Examples: i.   Twelve months make one tear.

                 ii.   Sixty minutes make one hour

               iii.   We all eat to live

 

b.     A Present Action or State: this indicates cerb which shows function of the senses.

Examples:  i.  To believe – we believe in God.

                  ii.  To understand – John understands you well.

                  iii.  To smell – the goat smells horribly.

c.     A Certain Capability

Examples: i.  My brother speaks (can speak) four languages

                 ii.  Do you ply Tennis?

A Completed Action (when no time is given) with such verbs as “to hear”, “to be told”