Demonstratives

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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'


See Also