Word Order
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 in 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)
