TCOM (linguistics)

In linguistics, T_COM (always written as uppercase T plus uppercase COM in subscript) is an abbreviation for the time of completion, 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_COM is the point in time at which a verb is completed. T_COM is used with perfected forms. In perfected non-durational aspects it represents the time by which a verb is finished, as in English “I have eaten dinner.” In perfected durational aspects it represents either the time at which a verb is finished, or more normally, a time up to which the verb is completed (but that it may continue beyond); this meaning of interrupting the verb is the more standard use of this form and allows the duration of the verb to be measured up to a given point (T_COM). Consider “I had been eating for 2 hours by 7pm,” in which an action (eating) has a duration, of which two hours of it is completed as of 7pm.

References

• 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