 |
 |
 |
 |
|
 |
 |
25
Though the present continuous of the verb to go + infinitive is commonly used to denote an intention or plan,
with some verbs the meaning is that of apprehention or presentiment.
He’s going to get ill.
The flowers are going to wither.
It is going to snow.
He’s going to be hanged.
b) In adverbial clauses of time and condition after the conjunctions when, while, as long as, if, in case,
unless, etc:
I’ll ring you up at 2, while you are having your break.
If he is working when I come, don’t bother him, I’ll wait.
As follows from the items enumerated above, the present continuous cannot occur in the context describing
a succession of actions referring to the present. In such cases the present indefinite is used:
He comes up to the piano, opens the lid, and begins to play the first tune.
If several actions in a narrative have the form of the present continuous, it indicates that they are all
simultaneous (and usually performed by different persons):
The boys are playing football on the lawn, Nell is reading in her room, and Father is having his rest.
In all its uses the present continuous is rendered in Russian by means of the present tense of the imperfective
aspect.
The present perfect
§ 23. Meaning. The present perfect form denotes the action preceding the moment of speaking, though it is
connected with it either directly or indirectly, that is: a) it continues up to the moment of speaking or b) takes
place within a period of time before and including the moment of speaking, so it is relevant to the moment of
speaking through its effect or virtually through its continuation at the moment of speaking. In the first case it is
called the exclusive present perfect (the moment of speaking is excluded), in the second - the inclusive
present perfect (the moment of speaking is included).
Formation. The present perfect is formed analytically, by means of the auxiliary to have in the present
indefinite and participle II of the notional verb.*
* For the rules of the formation of participle II see § 5-6.
In the negative the corresponding negative forms of to have are used, participle II follows them.
The paradigm of the verb in the present perfect
Affirmative
Interrogative
Negative
I have spoken
He (she, it) has spoken
We have spoken
You have spoken
They have spoken
Have I spoken?
Has he (she, it) spoken?
Have we spoken?
Have you spoken?
Have they spoken?
I have not (haven’t) spoken
He (she, it) has not (hasn’t) spoken
We have not (haven’t) spoken
You have not (haven’t) spoken
They have not (haven’t) spoken
Negative-interrogative
a)
Have I not spoken?
Has he (she, it) not spoken?
Have we not spoken?
b)
Haven’t I spoken?
Hasn’t he (she, it) spoken?
Haven’t we spoken?