2

In a software program, I assign contracts a temporal classification as a past, current, or future agreement. I need a descriptive term for this classification and "temporal classification" seems awkward. I considered "age," but that word has too many duration-related connotations. I have thought about calling this classification the agreement's "era."

In grammar, "tense" is a verb's temporal classification. Is there an appropriate word to use in describing a noun's temporal status or classification as past, present, or future?

| improve this question | |
  • Your "contract" was, is, or will still be a contract, regardless of the temporal frame, so I don't think it makes sense to ask for an appropriate word to use in describing a noun's temporal status. Nouns simply don't have temporal aspects. I think you should just label your column Status (to contain values such as expired, active, prospective or similar). – FumbleFingers Apr 12 '16 at 15:07
  • Well, we do describe nouns temporally using adjectives such as "old" and "new." I am just asking of there is a term for that type of description. I agree that "status" might apply, but that is a very overloaded term which is used elsewhere. – BJ Safdie Apr 12 '16 at 15:17
0

Stative

expressing a state or condition, usually used in simple tenses.

I imagine you can describe the temporal designation as the contract's stative. You could have a column marked stative with 3 boxes (past, present, future).

| improve this answer | |
0

Though it may not be the best option generally, for a software program that I am working on now, I ended up using "period" for a type which could represent past, present or future at any given instance. Just in case someone else ends up here looking for the same...

| improve this answer | |

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.