Chapter 3 | Definite and Indefinite Nouns, Abbreviations and the Form of the Nominative in Place of the Genitive

3.1 Definite and Indefinite Nouns

3.1.1

A noun is either definite or indefinite. A definite noun is a noun that refers to a definite person or thing. A definite person or thing is referred to in one of the ways shown in 3.1.2 below. Any other noun is an indefinite noun.

3.1.2

A definite noun is — 

  1. a proper name (names of particular people or places), e.g., Fionnán, Gráinne, Leamhcán:

    Caoimhe is ainm di.

    Her name is Caoimhe.

    Tá cónaí orthu i Meiriceá.

    They live in America.

  2. a noun that is preceded by the article, e.g., an tAcht (EN: the Act), an obair (EN: the work), an fhadhb (EN: the problem):

    An bhfaca tú an t‑eitleán mór sin?

    Did you see that big airplane?

    Tá an ghealach lán anocht.

    The moon is full tonight.

    An raibh an tiománaí tacsaí ag an gcruinniú?

    Was the taxi driver at the meeting?

  3. a noun that is preceded by a possessive adjective, e.g., mo mhac (EN: my son), a hathair (EN: her father), a ngluaisteán (EN: their car):

    Ar bhuail tú le mo dheartháir?

    Have you met my brother?

    A hathair a d’inis an scéal di.

    Her father told her the story.

    Bhí sí ag glanadh a bróg peile. (iol.)

    She was cleaning her football shoes. (pl.)

    Chuaigh sé i gcomhair a chupáin tae. (u.)

    He went for his cup of tea. (sg.)

  4. a noun that is preceded by gach (EN: every), gach aon (EN: every single) or gach uile (EN: all):

    Bhí gach duine den teaghlach i láthair.

    Every person in the family was present.

    Buaileann sé isteach ag an am céanna gach aon lá.

    He comes in at the same time every single day.

    Baineann an t‑acht leasaithe le gach uile fheithicil inneallghluaiste.

    The amended act applies to all mechanical vehicles.

  5. a noun that has a number or letter following it, e.g., Cuid III (EN: Part III), riail a sé (EN: Rule Six), Bus 16 (EN: Bus 16), mír (b) (EN: item (b)):

    Bain triail as ceist a ceathair.

    Try question four.

    Ar sheiceáil tú Aguisín A?

    Did you check Appendix A?

  6. a noun that has a definite noun following it, e.g., oifig Áine (EN: Áine’s office), óráid an Aire (EN: the Minister’s speech), teach mo mhic (EN: my son’s house), tús gach bliana (EN: the beginning of each year), sonraí mhír (b) (EN: details of item (b)):

    Tá an fhéile á heagrú i gcomhar le muintir Thamhlachta.

    The festival is being organized in collaboration with the people of Tallaght.

    An é leabhar an mhúinteora é?

    Is it the teacher’s book?

    Ar labhair tú le bainisteoir an óstáin?

    Did you speak with the hotel manager?

    Thug sé cuairt ar theach a iníne.

    He visited his daughter’s house.

    Tá ainm gach imreora ar eolas aige.

    He knows the name of every player.

    Tugadh ardmholadh d’fhoireann Bhus 16.

    The Bus 16 Team was highly commended.

  7. a noun in the vocative case, e.g., a bhean (EN: woman), a dhuine uasail (EN: noble person):

    Céard atá á dhéanamh agat ansin, a mhic?

    What are you doing there, son?

    Ní chreidfeá é, a thaisce.

    You would not believe it, dear.

3.1.3

The article is often a part of the proper name (especially for place names), and the article must be used in these contexts, e.g., an Ísiltír (EN: the Netherlands), an tSionainn (EN: the Seine), an Longfort (EN: Longford), an Streoillín (EN: the Streelin), an Earagail (EN: the Erigail), An tOileánach (when it comes to the book) (EN: The Islander), na Cruacha Dubha (EN: the Black Stacks).

Bhí mé ar an Earagail inné.

I was on the Erigail yesterday.

Cé a scríobh An Grá agus an Ghruaim?

Who wrote Love and Grief?

Note, in contexts where it is usual to use the article with a proper name, the article is not put in if the proper name is functioning as an adjective, e.g., an Nollaig vs cárta Nollag; an Ardteist vs scrúdú Ardteiste; an Cháisc vs ubh Chásca.

3.1.4

The article is used before genitive Éire (EN: Ireland), Albain (EN: Scotland), Gaillimh (EN: Galway), e.g., oileán na hÉireann (EN: the island of Ireland), foireann na hAlban (EN: the team of Scotland), cathair na Gaillimhe (EN: the city of Galway) (see 1.1.5(i)A).

Tá an-eolas aici ar litríocht na hÉireann.

She knows a lot about the literature of Ireland.

Blas na Gaillimhe atá ar a cuid cainte.

Her speech has the flavor of Galway.

The article is left out before Éireann (EN: gen. Ireland) in some official forms, however, e.g., Dáil Éireann (EN: the Irish Parliament), Seanad Éireann (EN: the Irish Senate), Iarnród Éireann (EN: Irish Rail), Bus Éireann (EN: Irish Bus), and in some old forms and poetic forms, e.g., plúr ban Éireann (EN: white flour of Ireland), bánchnoic Éireann (EN: white hills of Ireland).

Is clár de chuid Raidió Teilifís Éireann é.

It is a program from Raidió Teilifís Éireann.

Is í rogha ban Éireann í.

It is the choice of Irish women.

3.1.5

The article can be used with trade names when they have an adjectival function, e.g., an buidéal Coca Cola (EN: the Coca Cola bottle); sa mhála Supervalu (EN: in the Supervalu bag); laistigh den doiciméad Word (EN: inside the Word document); ar an ríomhaire Apple (EN: on the Apple computer).

Is é sin an t‑inneall fuála Singer a cheannaigh mo sheanmháthair.

This is the Singer sewing machine that my grandmother bought.

Shábháil mé sa scarbhileog Excel chéanna é.

I saved it in the same Excel spreadsheet.

3.1.6

The article is not put in front of a noun if it is qualified with a definite noun in the genitive, e.g., tiománaí an tacsaí (EN: the driver of the taxi), ceadúnas thiománaí an tacsaí (EN: the license of the driver of the taxi); dáta éaga cheadúnas thiománaí an tacsaí (EN: the expiration date of the license of the driver of the taxi) (when a certain taxi is involved).

An raibh úinéir an tsiopa in ann cabhrú leat?

Was the owner of the shop able to help you?

Fágadh na heochracha in oifig chuntasóir úinéir an tsiopa.

The keys were left in the owner of the shop's accountant’s office.

The article is put in front of the first noun if it is qualified with an indefinite noun, e.g., an tiománaí tacsaí (EN: the taxi driver), an tiománaí leoraí (EN: the lorry driver) (a certain type of driver); an freastalaí beáir (EN: the bar server), an freastalaí bialainne (EN: the restaurant server) (a certain type of server); an t‑oifigeach feidhmiúcháin (EN: the executive officer), an t‑oifigeach riaracháin (EN: the administrative officer) (a certain type of officer) (see 3.1.9).

Is é an t‑úinéir talún is fearr sa cheantar é.

He is the best landowner in the area.

Is í an t‑imreoir sacair is gasta dá bhfaca mé riamh í.

She is the fastest soccer player I have ever seen.

3.1.7

There are some noun phrases that have nouns in them which would be definite according to 3.1.2 but are indefinite because the whole phrase is being used as a single unit of meaning as an indefinite noun. Sometimes, in these contexts, the article is used when the whole phrase functions as a definite noun, e.g., an Leabhar Eoin (EN: the Book of John); an Choróin Mhuire (EN: the Crown of Mary); ba mhór an grá Dia é (EN: it was great the love of God); an fear sin na n‑uibheacha (EN: that man of the eggs).

D’imigh siad leo nuair a bhí an uair an chloig caite.

They left when the hour was up.

Nach é an trua Mhuire é!

Isn’t it the pity of Mary!

Note that the article is also retained when a number or letter comes after a noun that is qualified by a demonstrative pronominal, e.g., an t‑alt sin 5 (EN: that article 5); an mhír sin (f) (EN: that item (f)).

3.1.8

As for titles with years accompanying them — festival titles and annual reports, for example — the article should only be used when the date and title have sparate units of meaning. These have different meanings: An tOireachtas, 2010 and Oireachtas 2010 or An Tuarascáil Bhliantúil, 2009 and Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2009.

An bhfuil Tuarascáil Bhliantúil 2015 réidh?

Is Annual Report 2015 ready?

Foilseofar Tuarascáil Bhliantúil an Choimisinéara Faisnéise, 2014 go luath.

The Information Commissioner’s Annual Report, 2014 will be published shortly.

Eisíodh an tAcht Oideachais, 2015 inné.

The Education Act, 2015 was issued yesterday.

3.1.9

The genitive case is used in the following situations (see other situations in 1.5.1) — 

  1. when the definite noun is qualified by other definite nouns:

    an cóta + an bhean

    →

    Is é sin cóta na mná.

    an t‑údar + na leabhair

    →

    Is í údar na leabhar í.

  2. when an indefinite noun is qualified by another indefinite noun:

    cóta + bean

    →

    Is cóta mná é.

    údar + leabhair

    →

    Is údar leabhar í.

  3. when the definite noun is qualified by an indefinite noun:

    an cóta + bean

    →

    An bhfaca tú an cóta mná sin?

    an t‑údar + leabhair

    →

    Is í an t‑údar leabhar is cáiliúla in Éirinn í.

3.1.10

Once an indefinite noun is qualified with a definite noun, it is no longer an indefinite noun but a definite noun. Accordingly, if the meaning is indefinite, a prepositional clause or preposition must be used to indicate the connection between the nouns.

  1. de is used if referring to a portion or part, e.g., Ballstát den Aontas Eorpach (EN: a member state of the European Union); gloine den bheoir gheal (EN: a glass of the light beer):

    An bhfuair tú cuid den airgead?

    Did you get some of the money?

    Tháinig na ceisteanna ó dhaoine den phobal.

    The questions came from people of the community.

  2. de chuid is used when the item in question is one of a group of many items of the same type, e.g., iománaí de chuid na Gaillimhe (EN: one of Galway’s hurlers); feidhmeanna áirithe de chuid an choiste (EN: certain functions of the committee):

    Briseadh ríomhaire de chuid na hoifige.

    One of the computers in the office was broken.

    Is deontas de chuid na Roinne é.

    It is one of the Department’s grants.

  3. Another preposition is used (le, etc.) in other contexts to express indefiniteness, e.g., deartháir le Bríd (EN: a brother of Bríd’s); úrscéal le Máire (EN: a novel by Máire):

    Ba bhréagán le Caoimhe an bréagán a bhris sé.

    The toy that he broke was one of Caoimhe’s toys.

    Ar léigh sibh tuarascáil ó Pharlaimint na hEorpa?

    Have you [all] read a report from the European Parliament?

3.1.11

Often as with 3.1.10(b) above, however, one of the substitute words ceann (EN: one), cuid (EN: some) or duine (EN: a person) is more appropriate in place of the first noun, e.g., ceann de ríomhairí na hoifige (EN: one of the office’s computers); duine d’iománaithe na Gaillimhe (EN: one of Galway’s hurlers). It is also possible to use the noun twice, e.g., dán de dhánta Uí Bhruadair (EN: a poem from the poems of Uí Bhruadair).

Bhris sé ceann de na cupáin sa chistin.

He broke one of the cups in the kitchen.

Rachaidh cuid den aos óg thar sáile i gcónaí.

Some young people will always go abroad.

Is duine d’fhoireann na hoifige é.

He is a member of the office staff.

Nach amhrán d’amhráin Kíla é?

Isn’t it a song of Kila’s songs?

Note: The same structures are used sometimes for definite nouns, e.g., an ghloine dheireanach den fhíon dearg (EN: the last glass of red wine); an chuid is fearr den leabhar (EN: the best part of the book).

Bhí gach ríomhaire de chuid na cuideachta briste.

All of the company’s computers were broken.

Ba é an ceann ba mheasa de na scannáin uile a chonaiceamar é.

It was the worst of all the movies we saw.

3.2 Abbreviations and Acronyms

3.2.1 General

  1. An abbreviation or acronym is never inflected or given an initial mutation. (SAM — Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá (EN: United States of America); OÉ — Ollscoil na hÉireann (EN: National University of Ireland).)

    Scríobh sé leabhar faoi SAM.

    He wrote a book about the USA.
    (EN: United States of America)

    Tá agallamh aige le OÉ Gaillimh.

    He has an interview with NUI Galway.
    (EN: National University of Ireland)

  2. in (rather than i) is the form of the preposition i used before an abbreviation or acronym. (RTÉ — Raidió Teilifís Éireann (EN: Irish Radio and Television); CSE — Ciste Sóisialta na hEorpa (EN: European Social Fund).)

    Tá sí ag obair in RTÉ.

    She works at RTÉ.

    Tá na milliúin euro in CSE.

    There are millions of euros in the ESF.
    (EN: European Social Fund)

  3. The preposition de and do are not shortened to d' before abbreviations and acronyms starting with a vowel. (OLAF — an Oifig Eorpach Frith-Chalaoise (EN: European Anti-Fraud Office); ÍMAT — Íoc mar a Thuillir (EN: Pay As You Earn).)

    Is ag cruinnithe de OLAF a pléadh an cheist.

    The issue was discussed at OLAF meetings.

    Tugadh aitheantas do ÍMAT mar chóras cánach a bhfuil ag éirí go maith leis.

    PAYE has been recognized as a successful tax system.
    (EN: Pay As You Earn)

    Note that the writer always has the choice of writing the words on which the abbreviation or acronym is based.

    An bhfuil an cur chuige bunaithe ar an Ionstraim Eorpach Aonair?

    Is this approach based on the Single European Act?

    Tá súil ag na Náisiúin Aontaithe go mbeidh dea-thoradh ar an bpróiseas.

    The United Nations hopes that the process will have a positive outcome.

3.2.2 Individual Things

There are two systems that can be used to deal with abbreviations and with acronyms that are titles of organizations, publications, contracts, agreements, schemes, systems or other similar things of which only one exists — the system without the article and the system with the article. Except for statutory texts where the system without the article is always used, it is up to the writer to choose which system to use. It is recommended not to mix the two systems.

  1. Individual things — the system without the article

    1. In the system without the article, abbreviations and acronyms are treated as nouns are not preceded by the article (but see 3.2.3(b)). (CTT — an Clár Tacaíochta Teaghlaigh; NA — na Náisiúin Aontaithe; OÉ — Ollscoil na hÉireann)

      Tá SAM ina bhall den Chomhairle Slándála.

      The USA is a member of the Security Council.

      Tá beartais OÉ dírithe ar an oideachas a fhorbairt.

      NUI's policies are focused on developing education.

      Tagann Airí Bhallstáit AE le chéile sa Chomhairle.

      Ministers of the EU Member States meet in the Council.
      (EN: European Union)

      Tá obair ar bun le haghaidh dhíscaoileadh CTT.

      Work is underway to dissolve the CTT.

      Tá sí ag obair i gcomhar le Gasra Imscrúdaithe de chuid NA.

      She is working in collaboration with an UN Investigation Group.
      (EN: United Nations)

    2. An abbreviation or acronym is referred to as a singular masculine noun regardless of the number or gender on which the words are based. (FSS — Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte.)

      An é FSS a bhfuil freagracht air as cúrsaí sláinte?

      Maidir le NA, is é 193 líon a bhall.

  2. Individual things — the system with the article

    In the system with the article, the article is used before abbreviations or before acronyms as appropriate. The use of the article is subject to the structure of the words the abbreviations or the acronym are based, as follows — 

    1. the article is not used before abbreviations or acronyms if they are based on a definite noun that do not have the article, e.g., Stáit Aontaithe Mheiriceá (EN: United States of America), Raidió Teilifís Éireann (EN: Irish Radio and Television), or if the article is in the middle of the words on which the abbreviations or the acronyms are based, e.g., Feidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte (EN: The Health Service Executive), Ollscoil na hÉireann (EN: University of Ireland):

      Tá SAM ina bhall den Chomhairle Slándála.

      The USA is a member of the Security Council.

      Tá beartais OÉ dírithe ar an oideachas a fhorbairt.

      NUI's policies are focused on developing education.

    2. the article is placed before abbreviations or acronyms if they are based on words having an article to make it definite. The singular or plural form of the article is used depending on the number of words on which the abbreviations or the acronyms are based:

      Tagann Airí Bhallstáit an AE le chéile sa Chomhairle.

      Ministers of the EU Member States meet in the Council.

      Cé atá i dteideal maoiniú faoin CTT?

      Who is eligible for funding under the CTT?

      Tá sí ag obair i gcomhar le Gasra Imscrúdaithe de chuid na NA.

      She is working in collaboration with an Investigation Team of the UN.

    3. an abbreviation or acronym is referred to as a singular masculine noun regardless of the number or gender of the words on which it is based (an IEA — an Ionstraim Eorpach Aonair (EN: the European Single Instrument).)

      Maidir leis na NA, is é 193 líon a bhall.

      Síníodh an IEA sa bhliain 1986 agus tá feidhm reachtach aige.

3.2.3 Multiple Things

  1. If an abbreviation or acronym refers to multiple things (things that have more than one item in them), the article can be placed in front of it in order to distinguish it from other things of the same kind. (CIN — Corparáid Ilnáisiúnta (EN: Multi-National Corporation); PO — Príomhoifigeach (EN: Principal Officer))

    Is fostaí de chuid CIN rannpháirteach í.

    She is a participating MNC employee.
    (EN: multinational corporation)

    - ach Is fostaí de chuid an CIN rannpháirtigh sin í.

    - but She is an employee of that participating MNC.

    Úsáidtear an seomra mar oifig PO.

    The room is used as a PO office.

    - ach Úsáidtear an seomra mar oifig an PO sin.

    - but The room is used as that PO office.

  2. The article can be used with a noun that is qualified by an abbreviation or an acronym which has an adjectival function in order to identify something specific from many things. (uimhir PSP — uimhir Phearsanta Seirbhíse Poiblí (EN: Personal Public Service Number); CBL — Cáin Bhreisluacha (EN: Value Added Tax); DART — Dublin Area Rapid Transit)

    Tabharfar uimhir PSP duit.

    You will be given a PPS number.

    - ach Cá bhfuil an uimhir PSP a tugadh duit?

    - but Where is the PPS number that was given to you?

    Tá ráta ard CBL i bhfeidhm.

    A high VAT rate is in effect.

    - ach Tá an ráta céanna CBL i bhfeidhm le fada.

    - but The same VAT rate has been in effect for a long time.

    Tá stáisiún DART sa cheantar seo.

    There is a DART station in this area.

    - ach An é an stáisiún DART sin atá i gceist?

    - but Is that the DART station in question?

  3. A plural form is created from an abbreviation or an acronym when referring to multiple things by adding -anna to it if it ends with a consonant and by adding -nna to it if it ends with a vowel. An abbreviation or acronym in the plural is referred to as a plural masculine noun.

    Nach iad sin na CINanna a bhfuil dea-cháil orthu?

    Aren’t those the reputable MNCs?

    Is POnna ar fad iad sin.

    Those are all POs.

3.3 The Form of the Nominative in Place of the Genitive

3.3.1 The Definite Nouns

  1. If a definite noun in the genitive comes after another word, it is customary for the other word to be left without inflection and its initial consonant to be lenited when it is subject to a word or form followed by the genitive (see also 10.2.6). A noun that has a number or letter at the end is left without inflection and its initial consonant is also lenited — 

    1. a proper name (name of a particular person or place):

      Sin é teach Ghráinne.

      →

      Sin í eochair theach Ghráinne.

      An raibh foireann Chorcaí ann?

      →

      Bhí bus fhoireann Chorcaí ann.

    2. a noun that is preceded by the article:

      Pléadh forais chreidmheasa an Stáit.

      →

      Dúradh go bhfuil cobhsaíocht fhorais chreidmheasa an Stáit ríthábhachtach.

      Ar labhair tú le bainisteoir na hoifige?

      →

      D’fhág mé nóta le haghaidh bhainisteoir na hoifige.

    3. a noun with a possessive adjective:

      Cad atá á dhéanamh le doras a ghluaisteáin?

      →

      Tá an meicneoir ag deisiú dhoras a ghluaisteáin.

      An le toil a dtuismitheoirí a rinne siad é?

      →

      Ní hea, ach in éadan thoil a dtuismitheoirí.

    4. a noun that has gach (EN: each), gach aon (EN: each one), or gach uile (EN: all) before it:

      Cheartaigh sé ceacht gach linbh.

      →

      Chuir sé réalta órga ag bun cheacht gach linbh.

      Tá cearta gach aon saoránaigh tábhachtach.

      →

      Tá siad ag gníomhú ar son chearta gach aon saoránaigh.

    5. a noun that has a number or letter following it:

      Sin é Traein 20.

      →

      Cá bhfuil tiománaí Thraein 20?

      Ar luaigh tú fomhír (i)?

      →

      Luaigh, tá an fhaisnéis i lár fhomhír (i).

    6. a noun that has a definite noun following:

      Tá téarmaí an Achta soiléir.

      →

      Tá na ceapacháin faoi réir théarmaí an Achta.

      Cá bhfuil bainisteoir an óstáin?

      →

      Tá oifigí bhainisteoir an óstáin san fhoirgneamh sin.

    But, if the noun that has a definite noun following it is a verbal noun, the genitive change is done to it if another noun precedes it, e.g., cosaint (EN: protection), madra cosanta na monarchan (EN: the dog guarding the factory); fuascailt (EN: release), bean fuascailte na ceiste (EN: the woman answering the question); cealgadh (EN: sting), beach cealgtha an pháiste (EN: the bee stinging the child); bualadh (EN: striking), innill buailte an arbhair (EN: the machines striking the grain); bailiú (EN: collection), seachtain bailithe na rátaí (EN: the week of rate collection).

  2. When a verbal noun is an integral part of a particular unit, e.g., cur chun cinn (EN: progress); cur chuige (EN: approach); teacht i bhfeidhm (EN: come into operation); which is subject to another noun or to a form followed by the genitive:

    1. if the article precedes that verbal noun, it is the singular masculine that precedes it in every case and the verbal noun is not inflected, e.g., luas an dul chun cinn (EN: the speed of progress); ag moladh an teacht i bhfeidhm (EN: praising the implementation); le linn an tabhairt amach (EN: during the display); i bhfianaise an tabhairt suas (EN: in light of the surrender); faoi réir an leagan amach (EN: according to the arrangement). The article applies to the initial letter of the verbal noun, however, as it would apply on a singular masculine noun in the genitive, e.g., fad an chur síos (EN: the length of the description); castacht an chur chuige (EN: the rigidity of the approach); ag cáineadh an éirí in airde (EN: criticizing the high spirits); ag comóradh an éirí amach (EN: commemorating the outing); de dheasca an tsracfhéachaint ar gcúl (EN: due to the backward glance); d’ainneoin an chéim ar gcúl (EN: despite the step back) (see 3.3.3(c)):

      Tá an t‑iniúchóir ag fiosrú an chur i gcéill sin faoi láthair.

      The auditor is currently investigating this allegation.

      Bhí sí i mbun an chur i láthair nuair a theip ar an ríomhaire.

      She was giving the presentation when the computer failed.

    2. if there is a possessive adjective before a verbal noun, the initial consonant is lenited or eclipsed, as appropriate, but is left without inflection, e.g., i bhfianaise mo chur chuige (EN: in light of my approach); luas ár ndul chun cinn (EN: the speed of our progress); ag moladh a gcur chuige (EN: praising their approach) (pl.):

      Tá siad ag moladh a chur chuige ó mhínigh sé dóibh é.

      They have been praising his approach since he explained it to them.

      Dúirt sí go raibh an t‑eolas ag teastáil le haghaidh a cur i láthair.

      She said the information was needed for her presentation.

3.3.2 Definite and Indefinite Nouns

  1. When a noun or noun phrase is connected by the preposition a (from do) with a verbal noun, the noun is left in the nominative, followed by a word or form that follows the genitive.

    Table 3A Form of the Nominative in Place of the Genitive — Definite or Indefinite Noun or Phrase connected by the preposition a with a Verbal Noun
    The Genitive Form of the Nominative in Place of the Genitive

    Chuir sé chun an rialtais é.

    Tá sé ann chun an obair a dhéanamh.

    Ní fhanann sé i bhfad tar éis dinnéir.

    Tá na leanaí tar éis dinnéar a réiteach duit.

    Tharla sé le linn na tréimhse sin.

    Is le linn na hoibrithe a fhostú a tháinig an cheist sin chun cinn.

    Tá an lánúin óg ar tí a bpósta.

    Bhí na fir shlándála ar tí na doirse a dhúnadh.

    Cuideachta áitiúil atá i mbun na hoibre.

    Cuideachta áitiúil atá i mbun an teach a thógáil.

    An bhfuil siad ag geallúint an airgid dúinn?

    Níl aon duine ag bagairt an t‑airgead a thógáil ar ais.

  2. The genitive change does not apply to the words ceann and cuid when there is a partitive genitive or partitive dative following.

    Gortaíodh í le linn ceann de na cluichí áitiúla.

    She was injured during one of the local games.

    Tá laghdú tagtha ar mhéid mo chuid oibre.

    The amount of my work has decreased.

    Bhí siad ag díbirt cuid mhór acu.

    They were expelling many of them.

    Ritheadh é d’ainneoin an chuid eile den alt.

    It was passed despite the rest of the article.

    But, they are inflected when they are normal nouns.

    D’ainneoin na Coda sin, ritheadh an Bille.

    Despite that Section, the Bill was passed.

    Thit sí ar mhullach a cinn.

    She fell on her head.

  3. When using a single common noun without the article as the name of a company, association or program, no inflection or initial mutation is made to the noun, e.g., buaicphointe Múscailt (EN: Múscailt’s highlight), ceannáras Muintearas (EN: Muintearas headquarters), ceardlanna Síolta (EN: Síolta workshops), gníomhairí Bóthar (EN: Bóthar agents).

    Bhuail mé le Príomhfheidhmeannach Trócaire ann.

    I met the Chief Executive of Trócaire there.

    Cá bhfuil príomhoifig Bóthar?

    Where is Bóthar’s main office?

3.3.3 The Indefinite Noun — The Verbal Noun

A verbal noun is a word that has both the function of a noun and a verb. It is possible to use words like eitilt (EN: flight), foghlaim (EN: learning), snámh (EN: swimming), etc. like nouns, e.g., deireadh na heitilte (EN: end of the flight); foghlaim a fháil (EN: to get learning); snámh féileacáin (EN: butterfly swimming), and as a verbal noun, e.g., ag eitilt sa spéir (EN: flying in the sky); ag foghlaim teanga (EN: learning a language); ag snámh in aghaidh easa (EN: swimming against the current). This section describes cases where the nominative form of the verbal noun is used in place of the genitive form.

  1. The genitive change is not made to the verbal noun when the prepositional pronoun a precedes it.

    Tá sé tar éis a rá go ndéanfaidh sé é.

    He has just said that he will do it.

    Tá sé ag iarraidh a dheimhniú go mbeidh gach ní ina cheart.

    He is trying to confirm that everything is going to be all right.

  2. If there is a verbal noun in the structure chun + verbal noun used to express an upcoming action, the genitive change is not made to it.

    An bhfuil sé chun iomáint le Corcaigh?

    Is he going to play hurling with Cork?

    Níl an eagraíocht chun snámh in aghaidh easa.

    The organization is not going to swim against the tide.

    Tá na páistí chun dul abhaile.

    The children are going to go home.

    Tá an ghaoth chun séideadh níos measa.

    The wind is going to blow worse.

    Níl siad chun seasamh siar.

    They are not going to stand back.

    Tá sí chun pósadh go luath.

    She is going to get married soon.

    Tá sé chun imirt.

    He is going to play.

    But, if the meaning of chun is le haghaidh (EN: for), the genitive is used.

  3. When the verbal noun is an integral part of a particular unit, e.g., cur chun cinn (EN: promotion); cur chuige (EN: approach); subject to another noun or a form followed by a genitive, if it is indefinite, the verbal noun is left uninflected and the initial consonant is not lenited, e.g., fad cur síos (EN: during a description); i gcás cur i gcéill (EN: in case of acting sensibly); ag ullmhú cur i láthair (EN: preparing a presentation); i bhfianaise teacht i bhfeidhm (EN: in light of coming into effect) (see 3.3.1(b)):

    Cén cineál cur chuige a d’úsáid siad?

    What kind of approach did they use?

    Bhí sí i mbun cur i láthair nuair a theip ar an teilgeoir.

    She was in the middle of a presentation when the projector failed.

    Tá an plean dul chun cinn sa tuarascáil bhliantúil.

    The progress plan is in the annual report.

3.3.4 The Indefinite Noun — Indefinite Nouns used as Verbal Nouns

  1. If an indefinite noun has a normal genitive following one of the declensions (see 5.6.1(a)) also used as a verbal noun, the genitive change is not made to it when it is used as a verbal noun.

    Bhí na léirsitheoirí ag diúltú imeacht.

    The demonstrators were refusing to leave.

    Níl na déagóirí ag iarraidh troid (sa bhrí ag iarraidh troid a dhéanamh).

    The teenagers were not wanting to fight (meaning wanting to make a fight).

    Tá sé tar éis siúl abhaile.

    He has just walked home.

    But, the genitive change is made to the noun when it is used as an indefinite noun.

    Tá sé ag tabhairt léime.

    He is taking a jump.

    Bíonn an fhoireann ag imirt iomána gach deireadh seachtaine.

    The team is playing hurling every weekend.

    Bíonn siad amuigh istoíche ag iarraidh troda (sa bhrí ag lorg troda).

    They are out in the open seeking a fight (meaning looking for a fight).

  2. If an indefinite noun that is also used as a verbal noun does not have a normal genitive according to one of the declensions (see 5.6.1(a)), and if it is the direct object of a verbal noun preceded by ag or do (or a from do), the genitive change is not made to it.

    Tá siad ag déanamh leasú (athrú, marú, coigeartú).

    They are making an amendment (a change, a killing, an adjustment).

    Is minic é a thabhairt moladh (bualadh, ordú, ardú).

    He/It is often given praise (a beating, an order, a raise).

    Acht do dhéanamh leasú (iniúchadh, scrúdú) de réir moladh ón Aire.

    An Act to make an amendment (inspection, examination) in recommendation from the Minister.

    An bhfuil tú ag iarraidh suí (éirí, pósadh)?

    Are you wanting to sit (get up, marry)?

    Tá sí ag fáil ardú (cáiliú, breisiú, greadadh).

    She is getting a raise (qualification, increase, beating).

    Cé a bhí a dhéanamh cáineadh (múineadh, díscaoileadh, fuirseadh)?

    Who was doing/making the condemnation (teaching, dispersion, fuss)?

    But, when it is the definite noun, the genitive change is made to it.

    Cé atá ag déanamh an athraithe?

    Who is making the change?

    An bhfuil an tArd-Rúnaí ag dréachtú an ordaithe?

    Is the Secretary General drafting the order?

    Bhí a gcairde ag beannú a bpósta.

    Their friends were congratulating their marriage.

    Is ag léamh gach leasaithe roimh an gcruinniú atá sí.

    She is reading every amendment before the meeting.

  3. If an indefinite noun that is also used as a verbal noun does not have a normal genitive according to one of the declensions (see 5.6.1(a)), and if it is subject to a compound preposition or follows chun, the genitive change is not made to it.

    Tá an lánúin sin ar tí pósadh.

    The couple is about to marry.

    Nílim ach tar éis éirí.

    I am just getting up.

    Nach deas dul ag siúl i ndiaidh suí?

    Isn’t it nice to go on a walk after sitting?

    Tá an lá ag dul chun síneadh.

    The day is going to get longer.

    But, when it is the definite noun, the genitive change is made to it.

    Níl siad ar son an cholscartha.

    They are not for divorce.

    Tá sé ar tí a phósta.

    He is about to marry.

    Ní mór staidéar a dhéanamh i gcomhair gach scrúdaithe.

    You must study for every exam.

3.3.5 The Indefinite Noun — Verbal Noun Clauses that are not Independent Sentences

The genitive change is not made to the indefinite noun in clauses where the indefinite noun is subject to a verbal noun where ag or do (or a from do) precedes it if that verbal noun clause cannot function independently without being followed by a simple preposition or a prepositional clause. The words in bold below cannot function independently on their own.

Tá siad ag tabhairt aghaidh ar an bhfoireann eile anois.

They are facing the other team now.

Is ag baint leas as an gcóras atá siad.

They are taking advantage of the system.

Tá an scoil ag cur deireadh leis an scéim.

The school is ending the scheme.

Is léir go bhfuil na mic léinn ag baint taitneamh as an oíche.

The students are are clearly enjoying the night.

Tá sé ag fágáil slán leis.

He is saying good-bye to him.

Stiúrthóirí do thabhairt aird ar leasanna fostaithe.

Directors to give attention to the interests of employees.

Tá siad ag baint triail as roghchlár nua.

They are trying out a new menu.

Bhí an eagraíocht ag cur tionscadail chun cinn. (iol.)

The organization was advancing projects. (pl.)

Tá an Roinn ag cur beartais i bhfeidhm. (iol.)

The Department is implementing policies. (pl.)

But, despite this, if the indefinite noun is an integral part of the verbal noun clause, and the verbal noun clause can function independently, the genitive change is made to the indefinite noun. The words in bold below can function independently on their own and the genitive change is made to the indefinite noun accordingly.

Bhí sé ag cur báistí (i gCorcaigh).

It was raining (in Cork).

Tá sí ag déanamh oibre (san oifig).

She was doing work (in the office).

Bíonn siad ag bailiú airgid (ann).

They are collecting money (there).

Beidh sé ag tabhairt cabhrach (in am an ghátair).

He will give help (in times of need).

Tá sí ag fáil bháis (san ospidéal).

She is dying (in the hospital).

An bhfuil sí ag imirt peile (leis na comharsana)?

Is she playing football (with the neighbors)?

Bhí siad ag gabháil fhoinn (sa teach).

They were singing (in the house).

3.3.6 The Indefinite Noun — Specific Terms

  1. If there are certain multi-word phrases that have a specific meaning, e.g., bolg le gréin (EN: sunbathing); buail isteach (EN: drop-in); buaileam sciath (EN: shield strike); cos ar bolg (EN: foot on belly); cúl le rath (EN: back to success); uisce faoi thalamh (EN: groundwater); etc. subject to a word or a form followed by a genitive, the first noun in the multi-word phrase is neither inflected nor lenited.

    Gheobhaidh mé bia beir leat ar mo shlí abhaile dom.

    I will get takeaway food on my way home.

    Tá sé ag déanamh bolg le gréin sa Fhrainc faoi láthair.

    He is sunbathing in France currently. (Lit. belly with sun)

    Tá ionad buail isteach acu i lár na cathrach.

    They have a drop-in center in the middle of the city.

  2. Where a unit of two indefinite nouns in which the first noun of that unit is tús (EN: beginning), lár (EN: middle) or deiradh (EN: end) (in the singular), the first noun is left in the nominative case when it is subject to a word or a form followed by the genitive.

    Tá gach rud eagraithe don chruinniú tús bliana.

    Everything is organized for the beginning of the year meeting.

    Bain taitneamh as an sos lár téarma!

    Enjoy the mid-term break!

    Déantar ócáid deireadh seachtaine a eagrú gach bliain.

    A week-end event is organized every year.

3.3.7 A Definite Quantity in a List

If an indefinite noun that is subject to a noun expressing definite quantity is presented in a recipe or in the form of a list, the genitive change is not made to the noun or adjective being qualified.

500g plúr

500g flour

1lb plúr bán

1lb white flour

250g siúcra mín

250g castor sugar

150ml uachtar

150ml cream

1/2 taesp. púdar bácála

1/2 tsp. baking powder

2 spúnóg bhoird mil

2 tablespoons honey

The partitive dative is used in prose.

Déan 500g de phlúr bán agus 250g de shiúcra mín a mheascadh i mbabhla.

Mix 500g of white flour and 250g of castor sugar in a bowl.

Cuir 150ml de bhainne agus 150ml d’uachtar leis an meascán.

Add 150ml of milk and 150ml of cream to the mixture.

3.3.8 The Indefinite Noun — Qualifiers

  1. The genitive change is not made to an indefinite noun that is subject to a verbal noun preceded by ag or do (or a from do), subject to a compound preposition or subject to an indefinite quantity if the indefinite noun is qualified with one of the qualifiers listed in tables 3B, 3C and 3D below.

  2. The indefinite noun itself must be qualified with the qualifier to cancel the genitive. If the qualifier functions as something other than an adjective (as an adverb, for example), the genitive change is made to the indefinite noun (see 3.3.12(b)).

3.3.9 A Qualified Indefinite Noun subject to a Verbal Noun preceded by ag or do (or a from do)

When an indefinite noun is subject to a verbal noun preceded by ag or do (or a from do) qualified with the qualifiers listed below, the genitive change is not made to the indefinite noun (or the adjective accompanying it).

Table 3B Qualifiers — An Indefinite Noun subject to a Verbal Noun preceded by ag or do (or a from do)
Qualifier Singular Plural

Attributive adjective, or a noun in the capacity of an adjective

Thosaigh sé ag imirt peil Mheiriceánach sna Stáit Aontaithe anuraidh.

Chaith sé tamall ag glacadh grianghraif áille i nGarraithe Náisiúnta na Lus.

Tá siad ag coinneáil súil ghéar ar na himeachtaí.

Bímse ag ullmhú lóin shláintiúla dom féin.

Táim ag réiteach cupán tae.

Níl siad ach ag éileamh pinsin stáit.

Bíonn siad ag casadh ceol tíre ar an Aoine.

An mbíonn sé ag scríobh leabhair staire?

Prepositional phrase like ar bith, ar leith, den scoth, etc. if it has an adjectival function

Níl siad ag fáil pingin ar bith.

Bíonn an chuideachta sin ag tógáil foirgnimh den scoth.

Tá an Chomhairle Contae ag ullmhú scéim den sórt sin.

Tá na fostaithe ag iarraidh tuarastail as an ngnáth.

Ritheadh ionstraim do leasú riail ar leith.

Ritheadh ordú d’fhionraí liúntais den sórt sin.

Relative clause

Tá sé ag cuardach scéal a scríobh sé anuraidh.

Tá an coiste ag athbhreithniú cláir ar cuireadh tús leo fadó.

Tá an Rialtas ag leasú Acht a ritheadh san ochtú haois déag.

Bhí sé ag moladh scannáin a mbeadh spéis agam iontu.

Ní fiú bheith ag ordú trealamh atá daor.

Thosaigh siad ag díol milseáin a bhí an-bhlasta.

The indefinite adjective aon or the emphatic prefix an-

An bhfuil sí ag réiteach aon straitéis chun déileáil leis?

An bhfuil siad ag tógáil aon fhoirgnimh faoi láthair?

Ní léir dom go bhfuil siad ag déanamh aon iarracht.

Nílim ag ceannach aon dearbháin uait i mbliana.

Tá na mic léinn ag déanamh an-obair ar an tionscadal sin.

3.3.10 Qualified Indefinite Noun subject to a Compound Preposition

When an indefinite noun that is subject to a compound preposition (or cois (EN: beside), dála (EN: like), fearacht (EN: opposite), timpeall (EN: around), trasna (EN: across)) qualified with one of the qualifiers shown below, the genitive change is not made to the indefinite noun (or the adjective accompanying it).

Table 3C Qualifiers — Indefinite Noun subject to a Compound Preposition
Qualifier Singular Plural

Attributive adjective, or a noun in the capacity of an adjective

Tá an dlíodóir ag gníomhú thar ceann eagraíocht áitiúil.

Cheannaigh mé leabhair dóibh in ionad bréagáin úra.

Shuigh siad cois abhainn chiúin.

Is éasca léim trasna srutháin bheaga.

Chuaigh sé i gcomhair cupán tae.

Chuaigh sí ar thóir buidéil uisce.

Ní mór an páipéarachas cuí a chomhlánú le haghaidh scéim pinsin ceirde.

Is suíomh gréasáin le haghaidh mic léinn é.

Prepositional phrase like ar bith, ar leith, den scoth, etc. if it has an adjectival function

Ní foláir leanúint ar aghaidh d’ainneoin moill den sórt sin.

Teastaíonn uathu cláir nua-aimseartha a chur in ionad seanchláir gan mhaith.

Ní fiú a bheith i mbun obair in aisce.

Cuireadh na bailiúcháin faoi chúram leabharlanna ar leith.

Prepositional dependent clause, e.g., ar an mBille, faoin mbord, sa phóstaer, etc., or prepositional pronominal, e.g., air, fúithi, uainn, etc., if it has a adjectival function

Bhuaigh siad ticéid i gcomhair turas chun na Fraince.

Fuarthas an admháil i measc iarratais ó dhaltaí scoile.

Tá sí ag obair ann de bhun conradh leis an Roinn.

Bunaíodh scéim ar leith le haghaidh amharclanna i lár na cathrach.

Fuair siad maoiniú le haghaidh scéim i dtaca le cúram leanaí.

Scríobh sé alt i dtaobh amhráin faoin imirce.

An ndúirt sé go raibh sé i mbun eagarthóireacht air?

Is ábhar é seo ar thagair mé dó le linn cainteanna leis.

Relative clause

Fágadh gan mhaoiniú iad de bharr scéim ar tháinig deireadh léi.

Tá sé ar thóir leabhair a ndearnadh scannáin díobh.

Bhí sé i mbéal an phobail de thoradh amhrán dar teideal An Dreoilín.

Tá an scéal á fhiosrú arís i bhfianaise páipéir a aimsíodh.

Nach iontach a bheith ag siúl trasna sráid a tógadh sa 14ú haois!

Rith siad trasna páirceanna a bhí lán de bhláthanna beaga.

The indefinite adjective aon (EN: any)

Bíonn an obair sin le déanamh i gcás aon chonradh.

Socraítear téarmaí ar leith gcomhair aon tionscail.

Ní dhearnadh gearán i gcoinne aon mhúinteoir sa scoil seo.

An bhfuil an fhoráil sin faoi réir aon chomhaontuithe fostaíochta?

Ní foláir dúinn airgead a thuilleamh fearacht aon eagras.

Dála aon údair, chaith siad go leor ama ag déanamh taighde.

Note that a prepositional phrase with a specific meaning is a compound preposition, e.g., i gcás meaning más rud é (EN: if). Simple preposition + noun is the model for this. Table 3C does not apply if an indefinite noun is present that is subject to a preposition and a noun that is not a compound preposition, e.g., i gcas meaning in imeachtaí dlí (EN: in a legal proceeding), i mála (EN: in a bag).

3.3.11 A Qualified Indefinite Noun subject to An Indefinite Quantity

When an indefinite noun is subject to a word or phrase expressing an indefinite quantity, e.g., barraíocht (EN: excess), breis (EN: more), easpa (EN: lack), go leor (EN: enough), iomarca (EN: too much), níos mó (EN: more), roinnt (EN: some), qualified with one a qualifier in the table below, the genitive change is not made to the indefinite noun (or the adjective accompanying it).

Table 3D Qualifiers — Indefinite Noun subject to an Indefinite Quantity
Qualifier Singular Plural

Attributive adjective, or a noun in the capacity of an adjective

Thit go leor báisteach throm an tseachtain seo caite.

Tá an-chuid foirgnimh cháiliúla i mBaile Átha Cliath.

An dteastaíonn roinnt arán cruithneachta uait?

Bhí scata báid iascaigh sa chuan.

Note that an indefinite quantity is observed as a definite quantity when a possessive adjective precedes it, and in this context the genitive change is made to the noun that follows it (and the adjective accompanying it), e.g., a chuid gruaige fada (EN: his long hair); a dóthain bia the (EN: her share of hot food); a ndóthain saineolais theicniúil (EN: their share of technical knowledge); ár gcuid oibre baile (EN: our share of homework).

3.3.12 Form of the Genitive

  1. Apart from the contexts specified in tables 3B, 3C and 3D, the genitive change is made to the indefinite noun in the structure noun + indefinite noun + qualifier.

    Table 3E Form of the Genitive — Noun + Indefinite Noun + Qualifier
    Singular Plural

    An leabhar múinteora scoile é seo?

    Is calafort bád iascaigh é.

    Cé a thosaigh an togra oideachais Gaeltachta sin?

    Cá huair a tionscnaíodh an scéim ealaíon pobail?

    Bhain mé úsáid as an tSeirbhís Eolais Gnó.

    Tá monarcha scáileán ríomhaire sa pháirc ghnó.

    Is fear tí solais é.

    Ní mór an plean bóithre náisiúnta a athbhreithniú.

    An cathaoirleach boird stáit í?

    Tionóladh cruinniú d’eagarthóirí nuachtán áitiúil.

    Scríobh sé amhrán ceoil tíre.

    An ball de chumann óstán idirnáisiúnta é?

    Cá bhfuil an tIonad Nuálaíochta Gnó?

    Cá bhfuil an t‑ionad diúscartha crann Nollag?

    Ní mór páirt a ghlacadh i bpróiseas réitigh díospóidí tionscail.

    Cén cineál taithí a bhíonn ag láithreoirí clár cúrsaí reatha?

  2. The genitive change is made to an indefinite noun is subject to a compound preposition and followed by a prepositional phrase, prepositional phrase or prepositional pronominal unless the indefinite noun is qualified by that prepositional phrase, prepositional dependent clause or prepositional pronominal (for example, if the verb rather than the indefinite noun is qualified) or by any of the other qualifier mentioned in table 3C.

    Table 3F Form of the Genitive — An Indefinite Noun subject to a Compound Preposition
    Singular Plural

    Bhí siad i mbun ceoil ar an tsráid.

    Bhí an madra ar thóir éan sa pháirc.

    Chuaigh siad le haghaidh dinnéir ar an 14 Samhain.

    Dúirt siad go raibh siad chun tithe a thógáil in ionad árasán i mbliana.

    Bhí sí ann ar feadh tamaill le cailíní eile ón gceantar.

    Fuair sé brioscaí in áit bonnóg sa siopa.

3.3.13 Summary of the Form of the Nominative in place of the Genitive

For reference, a summary of the situations where the form of the nominative is used in place of the genitive is given here.

Table 3G Summary of the Situations where the Form of the Nominative is used in place of the Genitive
If: Is subject to: The form of the nominative is used in place of the genitive:

A noun that comes before a definite noun in the genitive (3.3.1(a))

Word or form following the genitive

Bhí bus fhoireann Chorcaí ann.

A certain definite unit of which a verbal noun is an integral part (3.3.1(b))

Word or form following the genitive

Tá an t‑iniúchóir ag fiosrú an chur i gcéill sin faoi láthair.

A noun or noun phrase, definite or indefinite, connected by a preposition a (from do) to a verbal noun (3.3.2(a))

Word or form following the genitive

Bhí na fir shlándála ar tí na doirse a dhúnadh.

cuid and ceann, and genitive partitive or dative partitive subject to it (3.3.2(b))

Word or form following the genitive

  1. Gortaíodh í le linn ceann de na cluichí áitiúla.

  2. Tá laghdú tagtha ar mhéid mo chuid oibre.

A single common noun without the article that is used as the name of a company, association or program (3.3.2(c))

Word or form following the genitive

Cá bhfuil príomhoifig Bóthar?

A verbal noun that is preceded by the proleptic pronominal a (3.3.3(a))

Word or form following the genitive

Tá sé tar éis a rá go ndéanfaidh sé é.

A verbal noun (3.3.3(b))

chun, in the structure chun + verbal noun used to express an upcoming action

An bhfuil sé chun iomáint le Corcaigh?

A certain indefinite unit has a verbal noun as an integral part (3.3.3(c))

Word or form following the genitive

Cén cineál cur chuige a d’úsáid siad?

An indefinite noun is used as a verbal noun also, and has a normal genitive subject to one of the declensions, that is used as a verbal noun (3.3.4(a))

A verbal noun is preceded by ag or do (or a from do) or a compound preposition

  1. Tá na páistí ag iarraidh léim

  2. Tá sé tar éis siúl abhaile.

An indefinite noun is used as a verbal noun also, and does not have a normal genitive subject to one of the declensions, that is the direct object of a verbal noun (3.3.4(b))

Verbal noun preceded by ag or do (or a from do)

An bhfuil tú ag iarraidh éirí?

An indefinite noun that is used as a verbal noun also, and does not have a normal genitive subject to one of the declensions (3.3.4(c))

A compound preposition or chun meaning i dtreo (towards)

  1. Tá an lánúin sin ar tí pósadh.

  2. Tá an lá ag dul chun síneadh.

An indefinite noun in a verbal noun clause that cannot function independently without a simple preposition or prepositional clause following it (3.3.5)

Verbal noun preceded by ag or do (or a from do)

Tá siad ag tabhairt aghaidh ar an bhfoireann eile anois.

The first indefinite noun in a multi-word phrase that has a specific meaning (3.3.6(a))

Word or form following the genitive

Tá sé ag déanamh bolg le gréin sa Fhrainc faoi láthair.

tús, lár or deireadh, if they are the first noun in a unit of two indefinite nouns (3.3.6(b))

Word or form following the genitive

Déantar ócáid deireadh seachtaine a eagrú gach bliain.

A noun in a list (3.3.7)

A word or phrase used to express a definite quantity

  1. 1lb plúr

  2. 250g siúcra mín

An indefinite noun qualified by a certain qualifier (3.3.9)

Verbal noun preceded ag or do (or a from do)

  1. Bímse ag ullmhú lóin shláintiúla dom féin. (pl.)

  2. Táim ag réiteach cupán tae. (sg.)

  3. Níl siad ag fáil pingin ar bith. (sg.)

  4. Ní fiú bheith ag ordú trealamh atá daor. (sg.)

  5. Nílim ag ceannach aon dearbháin i mbliana. (pl.)

  6. Tá na mic léinn ag déanamh an-obair ar an tionscadal sin. (sg.)

An indefinite noun qualified by a certain qualifier (3.3.10)

A compound preposition

  1. Chuaigh sé i gcomhair cupán tae. (sg.)

  2. D’fhéadfaí a leithéid a rá i gcás cláir ar bith. (pl.)

  3. Fuarthas an admháil i measc iarratais ó dhaltaí scoile. (pl.)

  4. Fágadh gan mhaoiniú iad de bharr scéim ar tháinig deireadh léi. (sg.)

  5. Bíonn an obair sin le déanamh i gcás aon chonradh. (sg.)

An indefinite noun qualified by a certain qualifier (3.3.11)

Word or phrase used to express an indefinite quantity

Thit go leor báisteach throm an tseachtain seo caite. (sg.)