Definition
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Relative past tense is a relative tense that refers to a time located before that of a contextually determined temporal reference point. |
Examples
The construction “having + verb” in the following sentences expresses relative past tense:
- Having spoken, he sat down.
- Having spoken, he will sit down.
The speaking occurs before the time of sitting, which may have differing relations to the moment of utterance.
Sources 1
- Comrie 1985b, 59