Grammatical (Viewpoint) Aspect

For a definition of the term grammatical aspect see Grammatical Aspect (definition); For a definition of the term aspect see Aspect (definition)

Scottish Gaelic makes several semantic distinctions of viewpoint aspect, including Perfective (Aorist), Imperfective, Habitual, Stative, Perfect, After-Perfect, Prospective, and Proximate Prospective. These semantic distinctions are variously instantiated in the morphosyntax.

Imperfective also known as the Progressive

With a full NP object:

• Be + subject + ag + VN +object (if definite, then genitive)
• Tha mi ag deànamh an obair

with a pronominal object

• Be + subject +gam/gad/ga/etc. + vn
• tha e 'gam choinneachadh
• He's meeting me.

Perfect

takes Inverted Nominal

Be + subject + air + (object) + (prt) + verbal noun

• Bha mi air an obair a dheànamh

With an object pronoun: Be + subject + air +possessive pronoun + verbal noun

• Bha mi air a dheanamh "I had done it"

Recent Perfect or After-Perfect

takes Inverted Nominal

Prospective

uses a' dol a + infinitive

• Bha/tha/bithidh Calum a’ dol a phòsadh
• Màiri. be.PAST/be.PRES/be.FUT Calum PROG go.VN PRT marry.VN Màiri
• ‘Calum was/is/will be going to marry Màiri.’

Proximate perspective

takes Inverted Nominal

• Tha mi gu litir a sgrìobhadh.
• Is 1S GU letter TRAN write.VN
• ‘I am about to write a letter.’

References

• MacDonald, J.A. (1976) Gàidhlig Bheo, vol 3 National Extension College