In this paper, I argue that the use of the simple present tense instead of the present progressive in as-clauses in examples such as “it’s being updated now even as we speak” are compatible with Langacker’s present tense analysis. I will propose that, in the simultaneity clause, the size of the immediate scope coincides with the as-clause and is restricted to a subpart of the perfective process, thus deriving an imperfective process. In essence, the as clause mimics the progressive morpheme and, hence, the progressive is not needed because it is redundant. I point out, however, that this possibility is a matter of construal. It occurs when, for example, the perfective process has the potential to be conceptualized as a relatively long activity (in Vendler’s terminology). If such a construal is not invoked, the progressive is used.
A puzzle for the present: A Cognitive Grammar analysis of present tense simultaneity as-clauses
BROCCIAS, CRISTIANO
2011-01-01
Abstract
In this paper, I argue that the use of the simple present tense instead of the present progressive in as-clauses in examples such as “it’s being updated now even as we speak” are compatible with Langacker’s present tense analysis. I will propose that, in the simultaneity clause, the size of the immediate scope coincides with the as-clause and is restricted to a subpart of the perfective process, thus deriving an imperfective process. In essence, the as clause mimics the progressive morpheme and, hence, the progressive is not needed because it is redundant. I point out, however, that this possibility is a matter of construal. It occurs when, for example, the perfective process has the potential to be conceptualized as a relatively long activity (in Vendler’s terminology). If such a construal is not invoked, the progressive is used.
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