Formation of Perfect Continuous Tense in Urdu

In Urdu, the structure of Perfect Continuous Tense consists of a subject, the verb “to be” in its continuous form, the verb indicating the action, and finally, the object of the sentence. However, sentences in Urdu are typically written according to the Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order, whereas English follows the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order.

For example, consider the sentence “He has been playing cricket for two hours.” In Urdu, this sentence would be written as “وہ دو گھنٹوں سے کرکٹ کھیل رہا ہے” (Woh do ghantoon se cricket khel raha hai).

Forming the Continuous Auxiliary Verb “to be”

The continuous form of the verb “to be” in Urdu is derived by conjugating it according to the subject of the sentence. The conjugation of the verb “to be” in Urdu is as follows:

• 1st person singular: میں ہوں (main hoon)
• 2nd person singular: تم ہو (tum ho)
• 3rd person singular: وہ ہے (woh hai)
• 1st person plural: ہم ہیں (hum hain)
• 2nd person plural: تم لوگ ہو (tum log ho)
• 3rd person plural: وہ لوگ ہیں (woh log hain)

Adding Time Indication

The insertion of the time indication is crucial in creating a Perfect Continuous Tense sentence in Urdu. The words used to convey the duration for which the action continued are as follows:

• For: سے (se)
• Since: سے (se)

As in English, the use of “for” in Urdu pertains to a specific duration, while “since” refers to a point in time when the action started.

Comparison of Perfect Continuous Tense in English and Urdu Grammar

While the Perfect Continuous Tense shares some similarities in both English and Urdu, distinctions ought to be considered as well. These differences play a pivotal role in formulating grammatically accurate sentences in Urdu and English.

Similarities

• Both English and Urdu Perfect Continuous Tenses indicate an action that began in the past and continued until another action or time.
• The use of auxiliary verbs “to be” and “to have” is common in both languages.
• Time indicators “for” and “since” have the same function in both languages.

Differences

• Sentence structure in Urdu follows the Subject-Object-Verb (SOV) order, while English uses the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) order.
• The conjugation of verbs and auxiliary verbs varies in both languages. In Urdu, verb conjugation depends on the subject’s gender, number, and honorifics.
• Urdu uses postpositions, while English uses prepositions.

Conclusion

Understanding and comparing Perfect Continuous Tense in Urdu grammar is essential for mastering this tense in both languages. By examining the formation, usage, similarities, and differences in English and Urdu, individuals can learn to express themselves more accurately and efficiently in both languages. Furthermore, this knowledge will prove beneficial in the realms of translation and language education, as well as fostering cross-cultural communication and understanding.