Grammatical Structures of Gaeilge

The core structures of Irish

Irish grammar differs from English in a few core ways, and once you have them most sentences fall into place. First, the word order: Irish is a verb-first language, so the verb usually comes at the start, before the person doing the action. Second, there are two verbs for to be. The substantive verb tá is used for how or where something is, so tá mé go maith means I am well. The copula is is used to say what something is, linking two nouns, so is múinteoir mé means I am a teacher. Third, the start of a word can change: séimhiú softens the first sound by adding an h in writing, and urú places a new letter in front that takes over the sound. This module drills these core structures, and technical accuracy carries a large share of the marks in this subject.

Grammar words in Irish

Learn what each of these does before you use it.

Tá against is

The two verbs for to be are not interchangeable. Read across the columns.

Three checks for accurate Irish

When you write in Irish, run three quick checks. First, put the verb first: an Irish sentence normally begins with the verb, then the subject. Second, choose the right verb for to be: use tá for how or where something is, and use the copula is to say what something is. Third, watch the start of the word: after certain small words the first letter changes, either by séimhiú, which adds an h, or by urú, which adds a letter in front. Getting these three right is worth more than extra vocabulary, because technical accuracy carries a large share of the marks.

Match the Irish word

Which verb for to be?

You want to say I am a student, giving your identity. Which verb for to be does Irish use?

• the copula is, because you are saying what you are
• the substantive verb tá, because that is used for every kind of to be
• neither, because Irish has no verb for to be
• both at once, because they mean exactly the same thing

True about Irish grammar

Select the TWO statements that are true about Irish grammar.

• Irish usually puts the verb at the start of the sentence
• Séimhiú is shown in writing by adding an h after the first letter
• Irish has no way to say to be
• Adjectives can never change their form in Irish

Build the sentence

Build the Irish for I am well. Remember that this describes a state, so it uses the substantive verb, and the verb comes first.

Complete the Irish grammar

Irish usually puts the _____ first in a sentence, before the person doing the action. To say how or where something is, you use the substantive verb _____, as in tá mé go maith. To say what something is, linking two nouns, you use the copula _____. Softening the first sound of a word by adding an h is called _____.

Match the structure

Order the sentence

Put these three pieces in the order that makes a normal Irish sentence for he is here.

• Tá
• sé
• anseo

A short answer, marked

Question: write two or three sentences in Irish about yourself. Model answer: Tá mé go maith. Is dalta mé. Tá mé i mo chónaí i mBéal Feirste. Look at what earns the marks. The first sentence uses tá for a state. The second uses the copula is to say what you are. The third begins with the verb and shows urú, because Béal becomes mBéal after the word i, meaning in. Three short accurate sentences beat one long one with mistakes, because accuracy is what is assessed here.

Spot the grammar error

Three of these sentences use correct Irish word order. Select the ONE that does not.

• Tá mé go maith.
• Mé tá go maith.
• Tá sé anseo.
• Is múinteoir mé.

Get the grammar right

You are writing a few sentences in Irish. Work through the choices.

• You want to say I am tired, describing a state. Which verb for to be do you use?
• You want to say I am a doctor, giving your job. Which verb for to be do you use?
• You are starting a normal Irish sentence. What comes first?
• After the word mo, meaning my, the next word begins with a consonant. What often happens to that word?