Using the Logic of Natural English Grammar — Test Yourself on “Present Perfect”
This is a follow-up to “Learning the Logic of Natural English Grammar (Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5)”
As we already know, English Grammar works perfectly without Tenses.
Generally speaking, “with or without Tenses” makes absolutely no difference to English grammar — it has been using Mood, Voice, Aspect for centuries. But it does make a great deal of difference to the learners of the English language as well as to the teachers .
With Tenses in English Grammar:
Grammar is not logic. It is just a set of rules for forming words and sentences, whether the rules make real-world sense or not.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/prospero/2014/11/johnson-grammar-versus-meaning
NATURAL English Grammar:
LOGICALLY grouped (MOOD, VOICE, ASPECT), LOGICALLY has a structure to serve the Groups (8 Formulas), LOGICALLY has a core VOICE+ASPECT in the Structure, which, all together, LOGICALLY makes up a well functioning System whose job is to do exactly what the language is supposed to do — construct Sentences.
With Tenses in English Grammar:
“The only way everyone knows what everyone else is talking about with any degree of certainty is with verb tenses. Verb tenses are absolutely necessary to fluency in English.
If English is your second language, verb tenses are the most important things to master…”
http://grammar.yourdictionary.com/parts-of-speech/verbs/English-Verb-Tenses.html
With Tenses being NOTHING for English Grammar, we can logically say that there is no one on this planet who UNDERSTANDS them. This explains why it is just incredible to see the amount of crap that has been written about Mood, Voice, Aspect and how English Verb System (= Tenses+Aspect) works.
Consequently (= Logically), with Tenses, there is no way to see, and therefore explain, either what the REAL Verb System in English Grammar is, or its logic, or how it works.
“…frustration with verbal structures in English is the gateway to the path which leads to a much better understanding.” http://painintheenglish.com/case/5486/#comment-26474
“Present Perfect” (Tenses) — the name is incorrect.
The two correct names are:
Active Perfect Present
Passive Perfect Present
When should we use the present perfect tense?
“This is one of the most difficult tenses to use correctly.”
http://www.perfect-english-grammar.com/present-perfect-use.html
“The present perfect tense is quite complicated to explain… The best way to understand it is to look at some examples.” http://esl.fis.edu/grammar/rules/presperf.htm
“The opinion of many native and non-native English speakers is that the perfect tenses are far from being ‘perfect’. They cause headaches for most people.”
http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/verbs/the-present-perfect-simple-tense/
… and many more things like that.
Q: “Assuming one is teaching the various usages of the tenses to a foreigner, how does one present the logic behind using the simple past at times, and the present perfect at others, for example. In general, there are many tenses and I wish to use a practical method in teaching them accordingly.”
A: “Ah if only English tenses were logical! Sorry for the non-answer, but I bet that grammargeek or other more knowledgeable members will clarify this for you.”
http://forum.thefreedictionary.com/postst9234_Logic-Behind-Tenses.aspx
It is logically explainable why nobody can find “the logic behind using the simple past at times, and the present perfect at others…”, and why the experts, instead, are only speaking about numerous situations “to memorize” or “to look at some examples”.
But the MOOD, VOICE, ASPECT System is LOGICAL, and the logic behind using different Aspects in combinations with Past, Present, Future does exist.
I suggest that those of you who seek to understand the Logic of English Grammar, test yourselves on “Present Perfect” and find its logic without anyone’s help.
I am sure you know what the difference between “memorizing” and “understanding” means for learners.
Tip
Dmitri has just received an award from the Dean of Students.
This sentence tells us that Dmitri has very recently received the award. The word just emphasizes that the action happened very recently.
http://2012books.lardbucket.org/books/successful-writing/s09-help-for-english-language-lear.html
Dmitri received an award from the Dean of Students five seconds ago.
“five seconds ago” — did the action not happen very recently?
