[L] The True & Pseudo Imperfect Tenses
(1) The true Imperfect [sec.30A(1l)] is used in its monoform (a) in the translation of an 'if' clause with a pluperfect sense, (b) to express 'would', 'would have', 'would not have' & 'was/were just about to.' Thus :
- Adam na Eva pegha(992): If neither Adam nor Eve had sinned [cf An webesen a latha margh a calla(BM 2421): The gnat would have killed a horse if it could]
- Ev a ụaske e dɐrn ụar e dhagier(L/NB): He was just going to put his hand to his dagger [or, 'would have put' ]
(2) To express a past state or continuous past action either the Compound Imperfect is used [see 21F ], or the Compound Preterite [see 22B, 30G] with extended meaning...
- Eue ve kevez a dewethaz gen wonen reeg gweel ke(NB): It was found recently by somebody who was building a hedge
- Pan wressowh* gwyle an lester(2425): When you were building the ship (*old form)
- an poble erra zetha en tolgo(R): the people who were sitting in darkness
(p82)
