Demonstratives
- For a definition of demonstrative see Demonstrative (definition)
Demonstratives in Gaelic, just like those in other languages, can be used in two different ways: transitively or intransitively. Transitive demonstratives are used on its own without any other elements such as noun as in (1) while intransitive demonstratives are always collocated with a noun as in (2).
1) this book is mine
2) this is mine
Transitive demonstratives in Gaelic are created by combining an article, a noun, and a demonstrative particle, in that order. There are three demonstrative particles: seo proximate (this), sin distal (that), siud or 'ud or siud far distal (yonder).
3) an cù seo 'this dog'
4) an cù sin 'that dog'
5) an cù 'ud/siud 'yonder dog'
If the noun is modified by an adjective, the adjective comes before the demonstrative particle:
6) an cù mòr seo 'this big dog'
Intransitive demonstratives in Gaelic do not need any other elements such as an article and a noun.
7) Thoir dhomh seo 'Give me this'
8) Thoir dhomh sin 'Give me that'
