When constructing a sentence or phrase in Irish, it is crucial to understand the role of briathra/verbs and the distinction between different types of verb. This can be a complex topic that is best learned gradually in shorter segments. In this article we will briefly discuss regular verbs in the present tense.
What is a regular verb?
Regular verbs are those which follow a typical rule or pattern. Once you are aware of the pattern, you should be able to conjugate (i.e. change or mutate) the verb as required. In this course we have already encountered several verbs, such as when we want to say where we live we use the verb, cónaigh. We have also encountered the verb, bí, which is irregular, as it is in many other languages. Understanding regular verbs will allow you to construct sentences more easily!
What is the present tense?
The present tense is used when referring to that which is ongoing or continuous. Examples in English would include ‘I walk’, ‘you talk’, ‘she sings’, ‘we dance’, ‘they read’, etc. When we use the phrases téim/I go and léim/I read, we are using the present tense. In Irish, regular verbs are placed mostly in two categories, known as a ‘conjugation’, or réimniú. Verbs with similar characteristics are grouped in the same conjugation or category.
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