Stylistic uses of tenses
Historic present, polite imperfect, θα of probability, and other shifted uses.
| Use | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| historic present | Το 1821 ξεσπά η Επανάσταση. | vivid narration |
| present for the near future | Αύριο φεύγω. | fixed plan |
| polite imperfect | Ήθελα να σας ρωτήσω κάτι. | softened request |
| θα + present / imperfect of probability | Θα είναι πενήντα. · Θα ήταν μεσάνυχτα. | guess |
| aorist for the immediate future | Έφυγα! · Χάθηκες! | «I'm off! / You're done for!» |
| να + verb as exclamation | Να σου πω… | «Let me tell you…» |
- Ήθελα να κλείσω ένα τραπέζι για απόψε.I'd like to book a table for tonight.
- Περίμενε, έρχομαι! – Έφυγα!Wait, I'm coming! – I'm off!
Test yourself
-
What does «Ήθελα να σας ρωτήσω» express?
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a polite request -
What does «Έφυγα!» mean when leaving?
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I'm off! -
What does «Θα ήταν δέκα» express?
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a guess about the past -
Where is the historic present common?
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history narration and headlines