T_AST

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In linguistics, T_AST (always written as uppercase T plus uppercase AST in subscript) is an abbreviation for the time of assertion, a secondary temporal reference in establishing tense.

Grammatical tense represents the contrast between two measurements along the timeline of an utterance, with one of those measurements being the time of utterance T_UTT (the time at which the actual utterance is made). T_UTT is always the primary point of reference for tense. There are three additional references to which T_UTT can be contrasted: T_AST — the time of assertion, T_COM — the time of completion, and T_EVL — the time of evaluation; these are secondary references. The type used for the secondary reference is determined by aspect and type of utterance.

T_AST is the time at which the action of a verb takes place. It can be a single point in time (in the non-durational aspects) such as in English “I had dinner at 5pm.” Or, it can be a range of time (in the durational aspects) such as “I was eating dinner from 5 till 7.”

• Mezhevich, Ilana (2008) Time-Relational Approach to Tense and Mood.
• Bybee, Joan (1995) Modality & Grammar in Discourse. Amsterdam, John Benjamins.
• Ward, Drew (2009) An Inventory & Discussion of English Futurity. CALLE