Word Order

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to see a definition of the term syntax see Syntax (definition)


Basic Word Order

Neutral Indicative Clauses

In information structure-neutral indicative clauses with a transitive verb, the word order is Verb+Subject+Object (VSO). Due to restrictions on the inflection of verbs, this is primarily true only in past tense and future tense clauses. In the present tense, an auxiliary construction is typically used.

(1)

Phòg Muirgheal Pòl
kiss.past Muriel Paul
verb subject object
Muriel kissed Paul

When the verb is intransitive, then the order is still verb initial:

(2)

Dh'fhag Muirgheal
leave.past Muriel
verb subject
Muriel left.

When the verb is ditransitive, then the order is VSO followed by a prepositional phrase (PP) indicating the indirect object (i.e. the equivalent to John put the book on the table). In Gaelic, there are no double object constructions (like the English John gave Mary the book) instead prepositional constructions must be used (John gave the book to Mary)

(3)

The position and ordering of Adverbs and Adverbials

Word order in Neutral Negative Sentences, Yes/No Questions, and Negative Yes/No questions

Word order with Neutral Grade Pronouns

Word order with non-verbal predicates

Non-verbal predicates are predicates that aren't verbs (John is a fool, John is big, John is in the living room).

Using the verb Bi

When an adjective or a prepositional phrase (PP) is serving as the predicate (e.g. John is big. John is in the room. The order of elements uses some form of the verb bi, followed by the subject followed by the nonverbal predicate:

X)

Thà Iain mòr
Be.pres John big
John is big

Y)

Bhà Iain anns an seòmar
be.past John in.def the room
John was in the room

Using the verb Is

With no verb (small clauses)

Word order in Auxiliary Constructions

In Imperfect (Progressive) clauses

In Gaelic the normal present tense of all verbs except bi is absent. Instead a periphrastic construction using the auxiliary bi is used along with a [[Verbal Noun (definition)|verbal noun and an aspect particle (typically [[A' (Aspect Marker. This has both imperfect and progressive meanings. The structure of these sentences is (Particles)+Auxiliary+Subject+Imperfect marker+Verbal+Object. In prescriptive grammars the object is supposed to be in the genitive case although in the spoken language (and in the written forms of most speakers), the object is in the common case

A)

Tha Iain ag ithe an t-aran
Be.pres John progressive eat.vn the bread
Verb Subject Prog Aspect Verbal Noun object
John is eating the bread

In Perfect, Recent Perfect, Prospective clauses

In Statives

In passives

Word order in Embedded Clauses

Word order in finite Embedded Clauses

Word order in non-finite Embedded Clauses

Word order in Relative Clauses

Word order in Clefts

Word order in Wh-Questions

Wh-phrase + question particle + Verb + rest of sentence

The question particle is often omitted if it follows a question ending in a vowel. The form of the question particle and the verb is dependent upon which wh-word is being used.

G)

Ciamar a tha thu?
how wh-direct be.pres you
wh-phrase particle Verb rest of sentence
How are you

H)

an aois a tha thu?
what the age wh-direct be.pres you
wh-phrase particle Verb rest of sentence
How old are you

Word Order in Noun Phrases

Article + Noun + Adjectives + Prepositional phrases

  • boat: bàta
  • the boat: am bàta
  • the big boat am bàta mòr
  • The big boat in the sea am bàta mòr anns a' mhuir

Possessors in the genitive follow the possessed NP:

Possessed + Article + Possessor(gen)

  • leabhar an duine

Specific Articles On The Word Order within Phrases