The progressive aspect in simultaneity as and while-clauses

Abstract

Recent research into simultaneity as and while-clauses has shown that they tend to be used differently. As-clauses usually code events with a high degree of susceptibility to change whereas while-clauses tend to evoke more stable temporal configurations. Following this insight, the present paper studies the interaction between the progressive aspect and as and while-clauses. It is claimed that the progressive aspect in as-clauses is prototypically used as a slowing down/stretching device (i.e. an imperfectivization mechanism). It is used to establish an aspectual contrast between a prolonged as-event and a (relatively) punctual main event. By contrast, progressive while-clauses seem to behave more similarly to main clauses. The progressive is primarily used as a transience marker, i.e. to signal that the (relatively) stable event coded by a while-clause is a temporary state.