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5. The definition of M

This chapter explains M in detail to understand the form meaning and the speaker's mind deeply.

It is certain that the time adverbials are parallel to M. It is also the time point the speaker put in mind and it is the key to use the forms.


Time feeling


5.1. The time representation of the future expression
The future expression has the two time representation which can be classified into the near future and the far future. See the following figure one more.

(1)
a. Near future


b. Far future


"Will" and "shall" is equal to the far future and M is put at the future. It means the future time adverbials are usually co-occurred. But the present time adverb "now" can be co-occurred, see the following examples.

(2)
a. The fireworks will start now.
b. She will come now.

M is put at the present in view of the definition, subordinate to the time adverbials.
But "will" and "shall" mean the prediction, therefore, the cause or the plan of the event is not in the present, moreover, when the future time adverbials are not co-occurred, it often becomes odd.

Thus, even if "now" is co-occurred, the relationship between the event and the present is weak, and M is separated from the present.
The near future is also similar, see the following examples.

(3)
a. The ship leaves for Seattle tomorrow.
b. We are arriving at Tokyo tonight.
c. We are going to dine at a restaurant tomorrow.

The future time adverbials are co-occurred in the above. In view of being subordinate to them, M is put at the future. But it is put at the present since the cause or the plan of the event is in the present.

It is certain that the time adverbials are parallel to M. But it is not the essential meaning, since the meaning of M is the speaker's focus. To use the forms depends on it.


Time feeling






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