Семантика і структура дієслівної системи англійської мови в категоріях часу, аспекту і модальності

The article explores the semantic and structural features of the English verb system through the lens of three key grammatical categories – tense, aspect, and modality. It examines the main theoretical approaches to analyzing these categories, their interrelation, and their role in shaping the meaning of utterances. Special attention is given to the functional interaction of tense forms, aspectual contrasts, and modal verbs in the context of the speaker’s communicative intention. The study also outlines the challenges of interpreting grammatical meanings within the framework of the modern linguistic paradigm and their impact on translation and the teaching of English as a foreign language. A comprehensive analysis of the grammatical categories of tense, aspect, and modality in English is conducted, highlighting their status as core elements of the verb system that shape utterance semantics. The functional load of each category is considered individually, as well as their interaction as a unified semantic complex. Particular attention is paid to theoretical approaches to their analysis – formal, functional-communicative, cognitive, pragmatic, and typological. It is determined that combining these approaches allows for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of linguistic interpretation of action, its chronological localization, internal dynamics, and evaluative modality. The findings have practical relevance for linguistics, translation studies, and methods of teaching English. It is established that in actual speech, the grammatical categories of tense, aspect, and modality operate as a unified semantic-grammatical complex that ensures precise, multidimensional, and contextually relevant expression of action. Leading theoretical approaches are reviewed, revealing the multifaceted nature of grammatical meanings and their role in realizing the speaker’s communicative intent. Therefore, the interdisciplinary approach to studying the English verb system gains significant theoretical and practical importance. The challenges of interpreting grammatical forms within the modern linguistic paradigm and their influence on translation quality and the effectiveness of teaching English as a foreign language constitute a crucial aspect of the research.