20. The Forms of the Verb.
The Gaelic Verb has three forms: -
- The Independent (or Absolute) Form - which can be used as the first word in a sentence.
E.G. Bha mi, I was ; Bhuail mi, I struck.
- The Dependent - which is used in subordinate clauses or after particles.
E.G. Am beil mi? Am i?
Thubhairt e nach robh an cù luath - he said that the dog was not swift.
- The Relative Form - so called because it is the form used after relative pronouns.
E.G. Am fear a bhitheas dubh, cha bhi e bàn.
Literally - The man who will be black, he will not be fair.
Am fear a thogas, is e a leagas.
Literally - The man who will raise up (buildings, etc), (it) is he who will knock down.
It will be seen that these Definite Relative Forms are all used for the future tense.
In addition to these the verb "to be" has the Assertive Form : is mi, It is I ; is tu , It is thou, etc., which we have already gone one.
E.G.
| Is gòrach thu (tu). |
'Tis foolish you are. |
| Is bòidheach i. |
'Tis beautiful she is. |
For further illustration we shall take the Independent and Dependent Forms of the verb "BI" - in full, and add a few exercises on the Assertive Form.
