should expect aspect to be important in these forms in the Synoptics, but we should read the aspects in connection with these related features to find the full sense that is expressed in these passages. Verbal aspect should be defined as a “viewpoint” feature. This means that aspect is a matter of the speaker’s (or writer’s) portrayal or point of view. It is not directly related to the actual character of the situation described. It is governed by what the speaker chooses to focus on, not by features