70 A GRAMMAR OF THE
PERFECT TENSE.
98. That part of time which, in English, is termed the perfect tense
is, in the Malayalim language, more clearly defined by two distinct forms
which I shall designate the perfect and the present perfect tense.
PERFECT TENSE.
99. This tense represents an action as performed within the present
time, that is to say, within an individual's life time, or within the present
century, year, month, or day; but which is entirely over, and finished at
the time of speaking about it.
100. The perfect tense is formed by adding ഉണ്ട with ഇട്ട prefixed
to the past participle, or past tense of the principal verbs; as,
കെട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട. Have heard.
ഞാൻ അവനെ കണ്ടിട്ടുണ്ട. I have seen him.
നീ അപ്രകാരം ചെയ്തിട്ടുണ്ടൊ? ഞാൻ അത ചെയ്തിട്ടുണ്ട.
Have you done so? I have done it.
When other words are affixed to these forms, ഉള്ള is substituted for
ഉണ്ട; as,
താൻ കെട്ടിട്ടുള്ള വൎത്തമാനം സത്യമുള്ളതല്ല.
The news you have heard is not true.
PRESENT PERFECT TENSE.
101. This tense denotes that something has occurred, or that an action
has been begun or a purpose formed for a long, or short time past; and
continues in operation up to, or is still in progress at the time of speaking
about it.
102. The present perfect is formed by adding ഇരിക്കുന്നു to the past
participle of the principal word; as,
സ്നെഹിച്ചിരിക്കുന്നു. Has loved, and still loves.
പാൎത്തിരിക്കുന്നു. Has dwelt „ „ dwells.
എന്നെ നശിപ്പിപ്പാനായിട്ട അവൻ നിശ്ചയിച്ചിരി
ക്കുന്നു.
He has resolved to destroy me.
103. The present tense of the indicative mood, in English verbs, if it
