Irish Syntax - Normal Word Order

Normal Word Order

The normal word order in an Irish sentence is:

  1. Preverbal particle
  2. Verb
  3. Subject
  4. Direct object or predicate adjective
  5. Indirect object
  6. Location descriptor
  7. Manner descriptor
  8. Time descriptor

Only the verb and subject are obligatory; all other parts are optional (unless the primary or finite verb is transitive, in which case a direct object is required). In synthetic verb forms, the verb and subject are united in a single word, so that even one-word sentences are possible, e.g. Tuigim "I understand."

An example sentence:

Labhraíonn Mícheál Gaeilge le Cáit go minic.
speaks Mícheál Irish with Cáit often
Verb Subject Dir.obj. Ind.obj. Time
"Mícheál speaks Irish with Cáit often."

Read more about this topic:  Irish Syntax

Famous quotes containing the words normal, word and/or order:

    “As blacks, we need not be afraid that encouraging moral development, a conscience and guilt will prevent social action. Black children without the ability to feel a normal amount of guilt will victimize their parents, relatives and community first. They are unlikely to be involved in social action to improve the black community. Their self-centered personalities will cause them to look out for themselves without concern for others, black or white.”
    —James P. Comer (20th century)

    “One word is too often profaned
    For me to profane it,
    One feeling too falsely disdained
    For thee to disdain it;”
    —Percy Bysshe Shelley (1792–1822)

    “They are the lovers of law and order who observe the law when the government breaks it.”
    —Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)