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Verbs in Past Continuous

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In Greek, the stress in the Past Continuous and the simple past always falls on the third syllable from the end. When the verb begins with a consonant (i.e. β, γ, δ, ζ, θ, κ, λ, μ, ν, ξ, π, ρ, σ, τ, φ, χ, ψ) and consists of only two syllables, then an extra letter is added at the beginning. This letter (usually the letter "ε" ) carries the stress in order to satisfy the condition. This letter is called "augmentation". If the verb begins with a consonant, but consists of more than two syllables, then augmentation is ommited.


(the numbers denotes the syllables, i.e. 3 stands for the third syllable from the end, 2 stands for the second syllable and 1 for the first syllable from the end)

 
 

3

2

1

 

βλέ

πω

έ

βλε

πα

 

(The verb begins with a consonant and consists of 2 syllables. Therefore augmentation is required.)

Simple Present

Past Continuous

 
 

3

2

1

 

τρέ

χω

έ

τρε

χα

 

(The verb begins with a consonant and consists of 2 syllables. Therefore augmentation is required.)

Simple Present

Past Continuous