Understanding Time Nouns in Sentences: Future vs. Present References

The eternal query in the linguistics realm is whether 'Tomorrow will be Monday' or 'Tomorrow is Monday' is correct. The answer is nuanced and hinges on the use of future and present tenses, revealing an interesting semantic sleight of hand. This article explores these nuances through an analysis of both sentences, focusing on the implications of verb tenses and the concepts of 'absolute' and 'relative' references.

Finding the Correct Sentence: An Analysis

Both sentences can be correct depending on the context and the speaker's perspective. On Sunday, for example, both sentences make sense:

“Tomorrow will be Monday.”

“Tomorrow is Monday.”

Within the framework of English grammar, 'tomorrow' can be used as both a time noun and a pronoun. When employed as a time noun, 'tomorrow' is an event that hasn't come into existence or been named yet—yet, it will be named 'Monday' at midnight.

The Future Tense: An Absolute Reference

The sentence 'Tomorrow will be Monday' employs the future tense, 'will be'. This implies an absolute reference. To visualize this, consider the specific date 'December 9' or 'the day after today, which is Sunday'. The use of 'will be' suggests that the day is not yet in existence or named 'Monday', but it will be named so at midnight.

The Present Tense: A Relative Reference

'Tomorrow is Monday', on the other hand, uses the present tense, which signifies a relative reference. Here, 'tomorrow' is the day following today, and it already has the name 'Monday'. This concept can be mathematically represented as 'tomorrow today 1'. The name 'Monday' changes daily, making 'tomorrow' a relative term.

Semantic Analysis: Relative vs. Absolute References

The sentences diverge in their treatment of 'tomorrow':

An Absolute Reference: 'Tomorrow will be Monday' points to a specific, future event that will happen at midnight. A Relative Reference: 'Tomorrow is Monday' refers to the day that follows today, which is already named 'Monday'.

Ambiguities in these sentences stem from the use of verb tenses to denote absolute and relative references. This leads to intriguing and mind-bending sentences that play with these concepts:

“Yesterday tomorrow was today, but tomorrow yesterday will be today.”

“Tomorrow today will be yesterday, or will yesterday be today?”

Why Both Sentences Can Be Correct

Both sentences can be correct because of the contextual perspective. On Sunday, both sentences hold true. On Monday, 'Tomorrow is Monday' is accurate, while 'Tomorrow will be Monday' is not. The reverse is true on Saturday.

Conclusion

Exploring the nuances between future and present references in sentences such as 'Tomorrow will be Monday' and 'Tomorrow is Monday' reveals a rich tapestry of linguistic subtleties and semantic play. The use of future and present tenses, and their implications for absolute and relative references, underscore the complexity and beauty of the English language. Understanding these nuances can enhance both our language skills and our appreciation of the subtleties of linguistics.