A corpus linguistics perspective on the predictive validity of the English progressive

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Abstract

The article discusses the most recent trends in the development of the English progressive. A corpus-based approach to linguistic research is seen as an effective means of determining reliability of the data retrieved and helps track the major diachronic dynamic in the increasing frequency of the progressive aspect that has taken place since the beginning of the 20th century. The article specifically deals with the extension of the progressive to new constructions, such as modal, present perfect and past perfect passive progressive, and also accounts for the use of progressive forms in the contextual environment not generally characteristic of them.

General Information

Keywords: corpus linguistics, progressive forms, English verb, syntactical changes, perfect progressive passive, modalised passive progressive, stative verbs, contextual environment, grammatical transformations.

Journal rubric: Philology

Article type: scientific article

For citation: Popkova E.M. A corpus linguistics perspective on the predictive validity of the English progressive. Sociosfera = Sociosphera, 2010. no. 4, pp. 74–81. (In Russ., аbstr. in Engl.)

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Information About the Authors

E. M. Popkova, State University – the Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia

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