Aspectual pairs and the verb's semantics

Abstract

The aim of the present paper is to highlight the role of the lexical meaning of verbs for their ability to enter into the relationships of aspectual partnership. Before indicating which verbs have aspectual partners and which do not form aspectual pairs (hence they belong to the categories of perfectiva tantum and imperfectiva tantum), a classification of verbs will be carried out on the basis of their properties relevant to their aspectual behaviour. Considerable attention has been given so far to the importance of the lexical verb meaning in the literature on the subject. Our intention will be to indicate one of the possible solutions, a compromise solution in our opinion, which aims at reconciling the multiplicity and variety of approaches towards the identification of aspectual pairs.