Aspect is a feature of verbs, and it is most closely associated with the category of tense. In fact, in some grammars there is no attempt to distinguish between the two, since there is no separate form that distinguishes between tense and aspect.

The main purpose of the verb is to activate the nouns in the sentence. Actions have two main features: the time they are done (past, present, future), and the type of actions they are (instant, continuous, repeated, completed, etc.). Aspect deals with the latter feature—the type or kind of action involved.

• Tense deals with the TIME of action.
• Aspect deals with the KIND or TYPE of action.

For verbs other than those in the indicative, the kind or action (aspect) rather than the time of action is the focus.