Chapter 7 | The Copula

7.1 General

The copula is used to link two words or two phrases together.

The form of the copula used in the present tense is the same as that used in the future tense. Moreover, the form of the copula, when used in the past tense, the past habitual tense, and the conditional mood, is the same. Bear in mind, if the predicate of the sentence is in the past tense, the present tense, or the conditional mood, the tense of the copula and the tense of the predicate would not necessarily agree with each other. See 7.2 for simple forms of the copula.

7.1.1 Functions of the Copula

The primary functions of the copula are — 
(TL Note: The copula does not always translate directly, so no attempt will be made to parallel.)

  1. classification of the subject:

    Is sáraisteoir í.

    She is an excellent actor.

    Is éan é an faoileán.

    The seagull is a bird.

    Strainséirí is ea iad.

    They are strangers.

    Is fear é.

    He is a man.

  2. identification of the subject:

    Ba í Úna an bainisteoir.

    Úna was the manager.

    Is é Baile Átha Cliath príomhchathair na hÉireann.

    Dublin is the capital of Ireland.

  3. qualification of the subject with a predicate adjective or with a phrase starting with a preposition:

    Nach deas é?

    Isn’t it nice?

    Is fíor sin.

    That is true.

    Is leor cúig euro.

    Five Euro is enough.

    Is as an Muileann gCearr di.

    She is from Mullingar.

  4. qualification of a noun or clause, or with a noun plus a prepositional pronominal:

    Is maith léi an chispheil.

    She likes basketball.

    Ní mór dó imeacht.

    He must leave.

    An féidir leis é a dhéanamh?

    Can he do it?

    Is leor liom an méid sin.

    That is enough for me.

    An cuimhin leat an teach sin?

    Do you remember that house?

    Is dona linn an briseadh seo.

    We are sorry for this break.

  5. qualification of a noun with a comparative adjective:

    Tabhair leat an ceann is fearr leat.

    Take the one you like best.

    Bhí na milseáin ba dheise ite sular shroich mé an chóisir.

    The nicest sweets were eaten before I arrived at the party.

  6. expression of ownership or relationship between people using the preposition le:

    Ba liomsa é.

    It was mine.

    Ní le Sorcha an ceann sin.

    That one is not Sorcha’s.

    Tóg ceann ar bith is leat.

    Take any one you like.

    Is iníon le Seán ise.

    She is Seán’s daughter.

    Is comhghleacaí le Cáit eisean.

    He is Cáit’s colleague.

  7. qualification of a clause with an adjective:

    Is gearr go mbeidh a fhios againn.

    Soon we will know.

    Is fada ó bhí sé ann.

    It has been a long time since he was there.

    Is maith is eol duit é.

    You know it well.

    Is iomaí duine a thagann an treo seo.

    Many people come this way.

    B'fhada ag teacht é.

    He was a long time coming.

  8. emphasizing part of the sentence:

    Ní inniu ná inné a saolaíodh eisean.

    He was not born today or yesterday.

    Is ag ceannach bainne a bhí mé.

    I was buying milk.

    Is chun na Spáinne a chuaigh sí.

    It was to Spain she went.

    Ní hí Muireann a chaill an eochair.

    It was not Muireann that lost the key.

    Ba í Nóra a d’aistrigh é sin.

    Nóra translated that.

    Is aici a bhí an ceart.

    She was right.

    Níorbh é sin an cineál comórtais a bhí ann in 1998.

    That was not the kind of competition that was there in 1998.

    Is inné a tháinig siad.

    Yesterday they came.

    Is é Peadar a dhéanfadh an beart dá mbeadh sé anseo.

    Peadar would make the move if he were here.

  9. using it in sentences that express a comparison:

    Is troime bonn dhá phingin ná bonn pingine.

    A twopence is heavier than a penny.

    Is gile an ghrian ná an ghealach agus ná na pláinéid.

    The sun is brighter than either the moon or the planets.

    Ní lia tír ná nós.

    Countries aren’t more numerous than customs. (figuratively: so many men, so many minds)

    Nach treise dúchas ná oiliúint?

    Isn’t nature stronger than nurture?

    Nárbh fhearr gluaisteán ná rothar?

    Wouldn’t a car be better than a bicycle?

7.2 Simple Forms of the Copula and Initial Mutation

  1. A simple form is a form of the copula that is not composed with an interrogative pronominal, preposition or conjunction.

  2. The simple forms of copula are given here:

    1. in a main clause;

    2. at the beginning of a subordinate clause, rather than a relative clause;

    3. in a direct relative clause;

    4. in an indirect relative clause.

    The forms are refined by their tense. In each situation, the present tense and the future tense are given first followed by the past tense, the past habitual tense and the conditional mood.

7.2.1 Simple Forms in Main Clauses

  1. The Present Tense and The Future Tense

    The following table lays out the positive form, the negative form, the positive interrogative form and the negative interrogative form of the copula in the present tense or the future tense.

    Table 7A Simple Forms in Main Clauses — The Present Tense and Future Tense
    The Present Tense and Future Tense
    before every consonant and every vowel
    Positive is
    • Is talamh maith anois é.
      (EN: It is good land now.)
    • Ealaíontóir maith is ea ise.
      (EN: She is a good artist.)
    Negative ní
    • Ní bia bainne is ní bainne bláthach.
      (EN: It is not milk, and it is not buttermilk.)
    • Ní hé a d’inis an bhréag sin.
      (EN: He is not the one who told that lie.)
    Interrogative Positive an
    • An í Bríd an múinteoir?
      (EN: Is Bríd the teacher?)
    • An fada go dtiocfaidh sé?
      (EN: Is it long until he arrives?)
    Interrogative Negative nach
    • Nach (é) Seán atá ina mhúinteoir?
      (EN: Isn’t Seán the teacher?)
    • Nach (í) Siobhán a bheidh ann amárach?
      (EN: Isn’t Siobhán going to be there tomorrow?)

  2. The Past Tense, the Past Habitual Tense and the Conditional Mood

    Lenition follows with the forms of the copula in the past tense, the past habitual tense and the conditional mood. ba or b' is used in the past tense, past habitual tense or conditional mood as follows:

    1. ba is always placed before fh- + consonant, e.g., Ba mhúinteoir lách é (EN: He was a pleasant teacher); Ba fhreagra cruinn é (EN: It was an accurate answer).

    2. ba is placed before fh- + vowel in the following contexts:

      1. the pronominals é, í, ea, éard, eisean, ise, iad and iadsan, e.g., Ba iad a bhuaigh an corn (EN: They were the ones who won the cup);

      2. prepositions, e.g., Ba ar theacht i bhfeidhm an Achta a tharla sé (EN: It was on the coming into effect of the Act that it happened);

      3. prepositional pronominals, e.g., Ba ann a bhí sé (EN: It was there that he was);

      4. adverbs that are not adjectival adverbs, e.g., Ba arú inné a d’ith siad an cáca (EN: It was the day before yesterday that they ate the cake).

    3. b' is placed before a vowel or before fh- + vowel in the following contexts:

      1. nouns, e.g., B’innealtóir maith í (EN: She was a good engineer);

      2. adjectives, e.g., B’fhearúil an duine é (EN: He was a manly person);

      3. the demonstrative pronominals eo, in and iúd, e.g., B’in é é (EN: It was he); B’eo amach é (EN: It was he who went out).

      4. adjectival adverbs, e.g., B’annamh a dhéanadh sé é (EN: It was rarely that he did it).

    4. The forms ba or ab are allowed to be used before the neuter pronominal ea in the middle of a sentence that is in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood, e.g., Saighdiúirí ab ea iad or Saighdiúirí ba ea iad (EN: both They were soldiers).

    The table below shows the positive form of the copula in a main clause that is in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood.

    Table 7B Simple Forms in Main Clauses — The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood — Positive Form
    The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood — Positive
    before a consonant or before fh- + consonant before a vowel or before fh- + vowel
    ba b' ba (ab)
    • Ba mhian liomsa labhairt.
      (EN: I wanted to speak.)
    • Ba fhlaithiúil go deo a chaith siad liom.
      (EN: They were very generous with me.)
    • Ba bheag an chabhair dom é dá bhfaighinn in am é fiú.
      (EN: It would have been a little help to me if I had gotten it in time.)
    • B'álainn an pictiúr é mura mbeadh an polla sin sa chúlra.
      (EN: The picture would be beautiful if that hole weren’t in the background.)
    • B'aoibhinn linn a bheith ag éisteacht leis gach oíche.
      (EN: We would love to be listening to him every night.)
    • B'eol dúinn go dtéadh sí an cóngar nuair a bhíodh sé tirim.
      (EN: We knew that she would go nearby when it was dry.)
    • Ba é an Rúnaí a cheartódh é sa chás sin.
      (EN: The Secretary would be the one to correct it in that case.)
    • Ceannaire maith ba/ab ea í siúd.
      (EN: She was a good leader.)
    • Ba aici a bhí an ceart.
      (EN: She was the one who was right.)
    • Ba as Gaillimh é.
      (EN: He was from Galway.)
    • Ba ó Bhaile Átha Cliath í.
      (EN: She was from Dublin.)

    The table below shows the positive form of the copula in a main clause that is in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood.

    Table 7C Simple Forms in Main Clauses — The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood — The Negative Form and The Interrogative Form
    The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
    before a consonant or before fh- + consonant before a vowel or before fh- + vowel
    Negative níor Níor mhaith léi go dtarlódh sé sin.
    (EN: She wouldn’t like that to happen.)     		níorbh Níorbh aon dóithín é.
    (EN: He was not to be imposed upon.)
    Interrogative Positive ar Ar dheacair leat é?
    (EN: Was it difficult for you?)     		arbh Arbh fhearr é mar atá sé?
    (EN: Would it be better as it is?)
    Interrogative Negative nár Nár dhána an mhaise dó é!
    (EN: He wouldn’t dare to do it!)     		nárbh Nárbh é an diabhal é?
    (EN: Wouldn’t it be the devil?)

7.2.2 Simple Forms at the beginning of Subordinate Clauses, other than a Relative Clause

  1. The Present Tense and Future Tense

    gur or gurb is used in the present or future tense as follows:

    1. gur is always placed before a consonant, e.g., Is dóigh leo gur teagascóir gairmiúil é Cian.

    2. gur is placed before a vowel in the following contexts:

      1. nouns (other than nouns in prepositional copula phrases mentioned under gurb below), e.g., Is dóigh liom gur áit dheas an t‑óstán sin (EN: I hope that that hotel is a nice place); Síleann an tAire gur acmhainn theoranta an ciste sin (EN: The Minister thinks that that fund is a limited resource); Dúirt sí gur oifigeach maith é (EN: She said that he is a good officer).

      2. prepositions, e.g., Deir sí gur ag an rince a bheidh sí (EN: She says that she will be at the dance).

      3. prepositional pronominals, e.g., Dúradh liom gur uait a tháinig an leabhar sin (EN: I was told that the book came from you).

      4. adverbs (other than amhlaidh (EN: as such)) which are not adjectival adverbs, e.g., Síltear gur amach anseo atá i gceist (EN: It is thought that it is in the future); Tuigtear dom gur amuigh sa ghairdín atá an ceiliúradh ar bun (EN: It is understood by me that the celebration is taking place in the garden).

      5. the pronominals é, í, eisean, ise, iad and iadsan if the pronominal is the agent or object of a verbal noun, e.g., Síleann sí gur é a bhailiú is fearr (EN: She thinks that it is better to collect it); Dar leis gur iad a fhoilsiú is fearr (EN: He thinks that it is better to publish them).

    3. gurb is placed before a vowel in the following contexts:

      1. adjectives, e.g., Sílim gurb iontach an deis duit é (EN: I think that it is a wonderful opportunity for you); Ceapaim gurb eolach an bhean í (EN: I think that the woman is knowledgeable);

      2. amhlaidh (gurb amhlaidh), or adjectival adverbs (go hard, gurb ard; go hannamh, gurb annamh), e.g., Measaim gurb amhlaidh atá (EN: I consider that it is like that); Sílim gurb annamh a tharlaíonn a leithéid (EN: I think that such a thing happens rarely);

      3. the pronominals é, í, ea, eisean, ise, iad and iadsan when the pronominal is neither the agent nor the object of the verb noun, e.g., Deir sí gurb í a hiníon í (EN: She says that it is her daughter); Dar le hAoife gurb eisean a rinne é (EN: Aoife says that he is the one who did it); Dúirt sise gurb é Sorcha an t‑ainm a bhí uirthi féin (EN: She said that her name was Sorcha); D’admhaigh sí gurb í féin a rinne é (EN: She admitted that she herself did it);

      4. the demonstrative pronominals eo, in and iúd, e.g., Deir sí gurb in é an fear (EN: She says that it is the man);

      5. the following prepositional copular phrases: acmhainn do (EN: ability to), áil le (EN: desire to), aitheanta do (EN: known to), aithnid do (EN: acquainted with), eagal do/le (EN: fear of/by), éadáil le (EN: benefit to), ealaín do (EN: art of), éigean do (EN: necessity for), eol do (EN: knowledge of), oircheas do (EN: proper to), e.g., Dar leo gurb acmhainn dóibh teach a cheannach (EN: They say that they have the ability to buy a house);

      6. these particular words: áibhéil (EN: exaggeration), éard (EN: the one that), ionadh (EN: surprise), iontas (EN: astonishment) and ualach (EN: burden), e.g., Dúirt sé liom gurb ionadh leis an ní a tharla (EN: He told me that he was surprised by what happened).

    In the following table, the positive and negative forms of copula are given at the beginning of a subordinate clause (other than a relative clause) that is in the present tense or the future tense.

    Table 7D Simple Forms at the beginning of Subordinate Clauses, other than Relative Clauses — Present and Future Tense
    The Present Tense and Future Tense
    before a consonant before a vowel
    gur gur gurb
    Positive
    • Ceapann siad gur múinteoir maith é Seán.
      (EN: They think that Seán is a good teacher.)
    • Is dóigh liom gur tráthnóna amárach a bheidh an cruinniú ann.
      (EN: I think that the meeting will be in the afternoon tomorrow.)
    • Ceapann siad gur altra é.
      (EN: They think that he is a nurse.)
    • Sílim gur acu a bheidh an bua.
      (EN: I think that they will win.)
    • Is dóigh leis gurb álainn an lá é.
      (EN: He thinks that it is a beautiful day.)
    • Ní dóigh liom gurb ionann iad.
      (EN: I don’t think that they are the same.)
    • Ní foláir gurb acmhainn dóibh.
      (EN: It is necessary that they have the ability.)
    • Más rud é gurb éigean dóibh.
      (EN: If it is necessary that they do it.)
    nach
    Negative
    • Deir sé nach amárach a bheidh an cluiche ar siúl.
      (EN: He says that the game will be played tomorrow.)
    • Tuigimid nach é deireadh an domhain é má chaillimid.
      (EN: We understand that it is not the end of the world if we lose.)
    • Síleann siad nach taighdeoir maith é.
      (EN: They think that he is not a good researcher.)
    • Dar liom nach cuan sábháilte é.
      (EN: I think that it is not a safe harbor.)

  2. The Past Tense, the Past Habitual Tense and the Conditional Mood

    Lenition follows with the forms of the copula in the past tense, the past habitual tense and the conditional mood. There is an option for the positive forms — see (a) and (b) below.

    1. gur or gurbh

      The positive forms gur or gurbh are used in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood as follows:

      1. gur is placed before a consonant or before fh- + consonant in all situations, e.g., D’ainneoin an méid a d’impigh sí air, níor dhóigh leis gur chóir an madra a choinneáil (EN: Despite all she asked of him, he did not think it was right to keep the dog).

      2. gurbh is placed before a vowel or before fh- + vowel in all situations, e.g., Creidtear gurbh ealaíontóir cumasach ab ea é (EN: It is believed that he was a talented artist); Dúirt sé gurbh iomaí cleas glic a d’imir Seán air (EN: He said that Seán played many clever tricks on him).

      The table below lays out the positive form of the copula in a main clause that is in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood.

      Table 7E Simple Forms at the beginning of Subordinate Clauses, except Relative Clauses — Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood — gur and gurbh
      The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
      before a consonant or before fh- + consonant before a vowel or before fh- + vowel
      gur gurbh
      Positive
      • Dúirt Eoin gur cheart é a dhíol.
        (EN: Eoin said that it was right to sell it.)
      • Cheapamar gur fhlaithiúil an duine ab ea é.
        (EN: We thought that he was the most generous person.)
      • Dhearbhaigh sé gurbh fhéimheach é.
        (EN: He confirmed that he was bankrupt.)
      • Dúirt sí gurbh é leas an phobail é.
        (EN: She said that it was for the public good.)

    2. go mba or go mb'

      It is also optional to use the positive forms go mba or go mb' in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood as follows:

      1. go mba is placed before a consonant or before fh- + consonant in all situations, e.g., Cé gur impigh sí air, níor dhóigh leis go mba chóir an madra a choinneáil (EN: Although she begged him, he did not think it right to keep the dog).

      2. go mba is placed before a vowel or before fh- + vowel in the following contexts:

        • the pronominals é, í, ea, eisean, ise, iad and iadsan, e.g., Ba dhóigh liomsa go mba iad an fhoireann ab fhearr ar an lá (EN: I would like it if they were the best team on the day);

        • prepositions, e.g., Mheas mé go mba ar an mbád a tháinig siad (EN: I thought that they came on the boat);

        • prepositional pronominals, e.g., Shíl mé go mba ann dó (EN: I thought that it was there for him);

        • adverbs that are not adjectival adverbs, e.g., Dúirt sé go mba arú inné a réitigh sí an dinnéar (EN: He said that she arranged the dinner yesterday).

      3. go mb' is placed before a vowel or before fh- + vowel in the following contexts:

        • nouns, e.g., Bronnadh teastas uirthi á rá go mb’altra cáilithe in Éirinn í (EN: She was awarded a certificate saying that she is a qualified nurse in Ireland);

        • adjectives, e.g., Dúirt na gasúir go mb’aoibhinn leo an cáca milis (EN: The children said that they loved the sweet cake);

        • the demonstrative pronominals eo, in and úd, e.g., Dúirt sé go mb’in a raibh aige;

        • adjectival adverbs, e.g., Dúirt sé go mb’annamh a théadh sé ann (EN: He said that he rarely went there).

      In the table below, the positive form of the copula is set out in a main clause that is in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood.

      Table 7F Simple Forms at the beginning of Subordinate Clauses, except Relative Clauses — the Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood — go mba and go mb'
      The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
      before a consonant or before fh- + consonant before a vowel or before fh- + vowel
      go mba go mba or go mb'
      Positive
      • Dúirt Eoin go mba cheart é a dhíol.
        (EN: Eoin said that it was right to sell it.)
      • Sílim go mba fhliúit dhaor a cheannaigh sé.
        (EN: I think that he bought an expensive flute.)
      • Dhearbhaigh sé go mb'fhéimheach é.
        (EN: He confirmed that he was bankrupt.)
      • Dúirt sí go mba é leas an phobail é.
        (EN: She said that it was for the public good.)

    3. nár or nárbh

      The negative forms nár and nárbh are used in the past tense, the past habitual past tense or the conditional mood as follows:

      1. nár is placed before a consonant or before fh- + consonant in all situations, e.g., Bhí mise den tuairim nár mhiste leis cabhrú leat (EN: I was of the opinion that it was not right to help you).

      2. nárbh is placed before a vowel or before fh- + vowel in all situations, e.g., Ba léir nárbh ionann an dá stoca ar chor ar bith (EN: It was clear that the two stocks were not equal at all).

      In the table below, the negative form of the copula is set out in a main clause that is in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood.

      Table 7G Simple Forms at the beginning of Subordinate Clauses, except Relative Clauses — the Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood — nár and nárbh
      The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
      before a consonant or before fh- + consonant before a vowel or before fh- + vowel
      nár nárbh
      Positive
      • Ba léir nár dhochtúir cáilithe é.
        (EN: It was clear that he was not a qualified doctor.)
      • Dúirt sí nár fhlichshneachta ceart é.
        (EN: She said that it should not sleet.)
      • Dúirt sé nárbh fhéidir é a dhéanamh.
        (EN: He said that it was not possible to do it.)
      • Nárbh iontach an clár faisnéise é sin?
        (EN: Wasn’t that documentary amazing?)

7.2.3 Simple Forms in Direct Relative Clauses

  1. The Present Tense and the Future Tense

    In the table below, the positive and negative forms of the copula in a direct relative clause that is in the present tense or the future tense are given.

    Table 7H Simple Forms in Direct Relative Clauses — The Present Tense and Future Tense
    The Present Tense and Future Tense
    before every consonant and every vowel
    Positive is
    • Labhair leis an bhfear sin is uncail leat.
      (EN: Talk to that man who is an uncle to you.)
    • An bhean is cara leat a d’eagraigh é.
      (EN: The woman who is your friend organized it.)
    Negative nach
    • Ní cheadófar d’aon duine nach ball é nó í fanacht sa seomra.
      (EN: No one who is not a member will be allowed to stay in the room.)
    • Céard faoi na daoine nach comhaltaí iad?
      (EN: What about the people who are not members?)

  2. The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood

    In the table below, the positive and negative forms of the copula in a direct relative clause that is in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood are given.

    Table 7I Simple Forms in Direct Relative Clauses — The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
    The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
    before a consonant or before fh- + consonant before a vowel or before fh- + vowel
    Positive ba
    • Cad é ba mhaith leat?
      (EN: What would you like?)
    • Sin an carr ba cheart duit a cheannach.
      (EN: That’s the car you should buy.)
    		ab
    • Sin rud ab éasca a rá.
      (EN: That’s something easy to say.)
    • Má bhí leabhar ann riamh ab fhiú a léamh, seo é.
      (EN: If there was ever a book worth reading, this is it.)
    Negative nár
    • Níor dhóigh siad aon bhreosla nár ghual (é).
      (EN: They did not burn any fuel that was not coal.)
    • Níor ceannaíodh bó nár bhó mhaith (í).
      (EN: They didn’t buy a cow that was not a good cow.)
    		nárbh
    • Is é sin an Teachta nárbh Aire riamh (é).
      (EN: That’s the Deputy who was never a Minister.)
    • Níor cheannaigh siad úlla nárbh úlla dearga (iad).
      (EN: They didn’t buy apples that were not red.)

7.2.4 Simple Forms in an Indirect Relative Clause

  1. The Present Tense and the Future Tense

    In the table below, the positive and negative forms of the copula in an indirect relative clause that is in the present tense or the future tense are given.

    Table 7J Simple Forms in an Indirect Relative Clause — The Present Tense and the Future Tense
    The Present Tense and Future Tense
    before a consonant before a vowel
    Positive ar
    • Ná bac leis sin; sin eolas ar cuma faoi.
      (EN: Don’t mind that; that’s information that is of no importance.)
    • Is é sin an té ar dó an leabhar.
      (EN: That’s the person that the book belongs to.)
    		arb
    • Is í sin an bhean arb iriseoir a deartháir.
      (EN: That’s the woman that is a journalist’s sister.)
    • An bhfuil an té arb eol dó an freagra sa seomra?
      (EN: Is the one that knows the answer in the room?)
    Negative nach
    • Cár imigh an duine nach féidir labhairt leis?
      (EN: Where did the person that cannot be spoken to go?)
    • Is iad sin na daoine nach mian leo leanúint ar aghaidh.
      (EN: Those are the people that don’t want to continue.)
    		nach
    • Is í sin an bhean nach iriseoir a deartháir.
      (EN: That’s the woman that is not a journalist’s sister.)
    • Sin é an t‑aisteoir nach eol dó a chuid línte.
      (EN: That’s the actor that doesn’t know his lines.)

  2. The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood

    In the table below, the positive and negative forms of the copula in an indirect relative clause that is in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood are given.

    Table 7K Simple Forms in an Indirect Relative Clause — The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
    The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
    before a consonant or before fh- + consonant before a vowel or before fh- + vowel
    Positive ar Sin í an bhean ar mhór aici do chabhair.
    (EN: That’s the woman who would be very helpful to you.)     		arbh Léigh sí gach leabhar arbh fhiú trácht air.
    (EN: She read every book that was worth mentioning.)
    Negative nach Cá bhfuil na daoine nár mhaith leo labhairt?
    (EN: Where are the people that they don’t like to talk to?)     		nárbh Ba dhána iad na páistí nárbh áil leo dul ar scoil.
    (EN: The children who did not want to go to school were bold.)

7.2.5 Initial Mutations after the Copula

  1. The Present Tense and the Future Tense

    1. No initial mutation is made after the following forms of the copula:

      1. the positive form of the copula is, e.g., Is bréag é (EN: It is a lie);

      2. the positive interrogative form an, e.g., An cuimhin leat an cluiche sin? (EN: Do you remember that game?);

      3. the negative interrogative form nach, e.g., Nach buachaill atá ann? (EN: Isn’t that a boy?)

    2. h is placed before a vowel after the negative form of the copula ní:

      1. on the pronominals é, í, ea, iad, eo, in and iúd, e.g., Ní hiad a ghoid do mhála (EN: They did not steal your bag); Ní hin é mo theachsa (EN: It is not my house);

      2. on these adjectives: amháin, aon, ionann, iondúil, e.g., Ní hionann an dá chás (EN: The two cases are not the same);

      3. on these adverbs: amhlaidh, annamh, e.g., Ní hannamh dó a bheith luath (EN: It is not often that he is early);

      4. on these prepositional copula phrases: acmhainn do, áil le, aitheanta do, aithnid do, eagal do/le, éadáil le, ealaín do, éigean do, eol do, oircheas do, e.g., Ní hacmhainn dó bille eile a íoc (EN: He is not able to pay another bill);

      5. on these particular words: áibhéil, éard, ionadh, iontas and ualach, e.g., Ní hionadh ar bith é go gcuireann siad fáilte roimh chách (EN: It is no wonder that they welcome everyone);

      6. in an odd proverb, e.g., Ní heolas go haontíos (EN: No knowledge without cohabitation); Ní haithne go haontíos (EN: No acquaintance without cohabitation).

    3. h is not placed before a vowel after the negative form of the copula ní:

      1. on nouns in general, e.g., Ní eagrán nua den pháipéar atá á léamh agat (EN: It is not a new edition of the paper that you are reading);

      2. on adjectives in general, e.g., Ní uaigneach fear i gcomhluadar (EN: A man is not lonely in company);

      3. on adverbs except amhlaidh, annamh, e.g., Ní inné a tharla an timpiste (EN: The accident did not happen yesterday); Ní ansin a thit mé (EN: I did not fall then).

      In the table below, the initial vowel changes after the negative form of the copula ní are given.

      Table 7L Initial Vowel Mutations After the Negative Form of the Copula ní
      Initial Vowel Mutations After the Negative Form of the Copula ní
      h is put before vowel after ní h is not put before vowel after ní
      on these pronominals: é, í, ea, iad, eo, in, iúd on nouns in general
      on these adjectives: amháin, aon, ionann, iondúil on adjectives in general
      on these adverbs: amhlaidh, annamh on adverbs (except amhlaidh, annamh)
      on these prepositional copula phrases: acmhainn do, áil le, aitheanta do, aithnid do, éadáil le, eagal do/le, ealaín do, éigean do, eol do, oircheas do
      on these specific words: áibhéil, éard, ionadh, iontas, ualach
      in an odd proverb

  2. The Past Tense, the Past Habitual Tense and the Conditional Mood

    Lenition follows the forms of the copula in the past tense, the past habitual tense and the conditional mood, e.g., Ba dheas liom an seans a bheith faighte againn (EN: I would have liked for us to have had the chance); Níor bheag an méid a bhí le scrúdú (EN: There was not a small amount to examine).

7.3 Compound Forms of the Copula

7.3.1 Interrogative Pronominals composed with the copula

  1. The Present Tense and the Future Tense

    In the table below, examples of interrogative pronominals composed with the copula in the present tense or future tense are given (see 8.5.4).

    Table 7M Interrogative Pronominals composed with the copula — The Present Tense and Future Tense
    The Present Tense and Future Tense
    before a consonant before a vowel
    cá Cá miste duit?
    (EN: What does it matter to you?)     		Cárb as é?/Cárb as duit?
    (EN: Where is it from? / What is it to you?)
    cé Cé dó a dtabharfaidh sé é?
    (EN: Who will give it to him?)     		Cérb iad?
    (EN: Who are they?)

  2. The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood

    In the table below, examples of interrogative pronominals composed with the copula in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood are given.

    Table 7N Interrogative Pronominals composed with the Copula — The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
    The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
    before a consonant or before fh- + consonant before a vowel or before fh- + vowel
    cá Cár thairbhe duit é?
    (EN: What does it profit you?)     		Cárbh aois é?
    (EN: How old is he?)
    cé Cér díobh í?
    (EN: Who is she of? lit. asking for surname)     		Cérbh é an fear sin?
    (EN: Who was that man?)

    Note that the compound cérbh is only used before é, í, eisean, ise, iad and iadsan. cé does not merge with the ab or ba forms of the copula when cé is not followed by a personal pronominal: cérbh é; but cé ab fhearr?; cé ba chaptaen oraibh?

7.3.2 Prepositions composed with the Copula

  1. The Present Tense and the Future Tense

    In the table below, examples of prepositions composed with the copula in the present tense or future tense are given.

    Table 7O Prepositions composed with the Copula — The Present Tense and Future Tense
    The Present Tense and Future Tense
    before a consonant before a vowel
    de/do Cuirfear deireadh leis an imscrúdú an tréimhse dar críoch an 1ú lá de mhí Iúil.
    (EN: The investigation will be concluded in the period ending on the 1st of July.)     		Tá aithne agam ar bhean darb ainm Máire Ní Chiarragáin.
    (EN: I know a woman named Máire Ní Chiarragáin.)
    faoi Cé acu dlí an dlí faoinar féidir í a chúiseamh?
    (EN: Which law can she be charged under?)     		Is ábhar é sin faoinarb éasca labhairt.
    (EN: That is a matter easy to talk about.)
    i Is í sin an oifig inar mian léi a bheith ag obair.
    (EN: That’s the office she wants to work in.)     		Is foirgneamh é sin inarb annamh ar cuairt é.
    (EN: That is a building that is rarely visited.)
    le Is iomaí córas atá ar fáil lenar féidir rialú a dhéanamh.
    (EN: There are many systems available with which control can be exercised.)     		Dúirt sí a rogha rud, ar neamhchead don té lenarb olc.
    (EN: She said what she wanted, regardless of whom it may offend.)
    ó Beidh siad i scríbhinn nó i bhfoirm ónar féidir taifead scríofa a tháirgeadh.
    (EN: They will be in writing or in a form from which a written record can be produced.)     		Bhí sé i dteannta an dreama ónarb áil leis teitheadh.
    (EN: He was in the company of the group that wanted to escape.)
    trí Faightear réidh le gach meán eile trínar féidir aon ní den sórt sin a scriosadh.
    (EN: All other means by which anything of this nature can be destroyed are eliminated.)     		Cén fhoirmle atá agat trínarb éasca an cheist a fhreagairt?
    (EN: What formula do you have through which it is easy to answer the question?)

  2. The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood

    In the table below, examples of prepositions composed with the copula in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood are given.

    Table 7P Prepositions composed with the Copula — The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
    The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
    before a consonant or before fh- + consonant before a vowel or before fh- + vowel
    de/do Cuireadh iniúchadh i gcrích don bhliain dar chríoch an 8 Márta 1998.
    (EN: The investigation was concluded in the period ending on the 8th of March 1998.)     		Is buachaill darbh ainm Gearóid a bhí i láthair.
    (EN: That is a boy named Gearóid who was present.)
    faoi Liostaíodh na coinníollacha faoinar chomhaltaí iad na daoine sin.
    (EN: The conditions under which those people were members were listed.)     		Luadh an dáta faoinarbh fhéidir litir a chur faoi bhráid an Aire.
    (EN: The date under which a letter can be submitted to the Minister was mentioned.)
    i D’fhéadfaí an cás a éisteacht i gcás inar fhreagróir an duine sin.
    (EN: The case could be heard in the case of that person’s respondent.)     		Is cás é sin inarbh fhostaí d’úinéir na feithicle a cúisíodh.
    (EN: That is a case in which an employee of the vehicle’s owner was charged.)
    le Is í sin an eagraíocht lenar ghníomhaire é.
    (EN: That is the organization with which he is an agent.)     		Sin í an fhoireann lenarbh áil liom imirt.
    (EN: That is the team with which I wanted to play.)
    ó Chuaigh sé ar ais go dtí an tír ónar dhíbeartach é.
    (EN: He returned to the country from which he was deported.)     		Tabhair faisnéis dom faoin iasacht agus faoin dáta ónarbh iníoctha í.
    (EN: Give me information about the loan and the date on which it was paid.)
    trí Bhí fóram ann trínar ghnách leis an bhfoireann ceisteanna a ardú.
    (EN: There was a forum through which the team usually raised questions.)     		Dúnadh an tollán trínarbh fhéidir tiomáint.
    (EN: The tunnel through which it was possible to drive was closed.)

7.3.3 Conjunctions composed with the Copula

  1. The Present Tense and the Future Tense

    In the table below, examples of conjunctions composed with the copula in the present tense or future tense are given.

    Table 7Q Conjunctions composed with the Copula — The Present Tense and Future Tense
    The Present Tense and Future Tense
    before a consonant before a vowel
    sula Sular féidir leis carr a cheannach, caithfidh sé airgead a shábháil.
    (EN: Before he can buy a car, he has to save money.)     		Sularb eol di é a bheith ann, beidh an cat imithe.
    (EN: Before she knows it is there, the cat will be gone.)
    ó Ós rud é gur agat atá eochracha an chairr, is tú a rachaidh chuig an siopa.
    (EN: Since you have the keys to the car, you will go to the shop.)     		Ós aici a bheidh an seomra, caithfidh sí féin é a réiteach.
    (EN: Since she will have the room, she has to arrange it herself.)

  2. The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood

    In the table below, examples of conjunctions composed with the copula in the past tense, the past habitual tense or the conditional mood are given.

    Table 7R Conjunctions composed with the Copula — The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
    The Past Tense, Past Habitual Tense and Conditional Mood
    before a consonant or before fh- + consonant before a vowel or before fh- + vowel
    sula Ba ghá dó síniú a bhainisteora a fháil sular cheadmhach dó saoire a ghlacadh.
    (EN: He had to get his manager’s signature before he could take a holiday.)     		Sularbh fhéidir liom imeacht, dúnadh an geata.
    (EN: Before I could leave, the gate was closed.)
    ó Tháinig ann don choigilteas ó ba lú an caiteachas ná mar a bhíothas ag súil.
    (EN: The savings came about because spending was less than expected.)     		Ó ba ann dó, níorbh fhéidir é a shéanadh.
    (EN: Since it was there, it could not be denied.)

7.3.4 má composed with the Copula

má is used in the present tense, the future tense, the past tense and the past habitual tense.

  1. The Present Tense and Future Tense

    In the table below, examples of má composed with the copula in the present tense or future tense are given.

    Table 7S má composed with the copula — The Present Tense and Future Tense
    The Present Tense and Future Tense
    before a consonant before a vowel
    Positive más
    • Más mian leat imeacht, is féidir leat.
      (EN: If you want to leave, you can.)
    • Más mall, is mithid.
      (EN: If it’s late, it’s about time.)
    		más
    • Fan sa bhaile, más amhlaidh is fearr leat é.
      (EN: Stay at home, if that’s what you prefer.)
    • Más é Séamas atá ann, abair leis teacht anseo.
      (EN: If it’s Séamas, tell him to come here.)
    Negative mura
    • Mura mian léi fanacht, ní gá di.
      (EN: If she doesn’t want to stay, she doesn’t have to.)
    • Tabhair sampla eile dom, mura miste leat.
      (EN: Give me another example, if you don’t mind.)
    		murab
    • Bean ard ab ea í, murab ionann agus Cáit.
      (EN: She was a tall woman, unlike Cáit.)
    • Murab áil leis éisteacht, ní gá dó.
      (EN: If he didn’t want to listen, he didn’t have to.)

  2. The Past Tense and the Past Habitual Tense

    In the table below, examples of má composed with the copula in the past tense or past habitual tense are given. The rules for the use of ba and b' also apply here (see 7.2.1B).

    Table 7T má composed with the copula — The Past Tense and the Past Habitual Tense
    The Past Tense and Past Habitual Tense
    before a consonant or before fh- + consonant before a vowel or before fh- + vowel
    má ba má b' má ba
    Positive Má ba dhuine macánta é, b’ait an gnó a bhí ar siúl aige.
    (EN: If he was an honest person, the business he had going was strange.)     		Má b'fhear aitheanta é, ní raibh a fhios agam é.
    (EN: If he was a well-known man, I didn’t know it.)     		Má ba í a bhí ann, níor aithin sí mé.
    (EN: If it was her, she didn’t recognize me.)
    murar murarbh
    Negative
    • Murar chomhalta cláraithe é, ní raibh aon seans aige.
      (EN: If he was not a registered member, he had no chance.)
    • Murar shíntiúsóir cláraithe í, ní bhfaigheadh sí an iris sa phost.
      (EN: If she was not a registered subscriber, she wouldn’t receive the magazine in the mail.)
    • Murarbh éan é, b’ialtóg a bhí ann.
      (EN: If it wasn’t a bird, it was a bat.)
    • Ní bhíodh sí ag imirt murarbh áil léi féin é.
      (EN: She wouldn’t play if it wasn’t to her liking.)

7.3.5 dá and the Copula

In the table below, examples of dá combined with the copula are given. dá is used only in the conditional mood. The rules for the use of ba and b' also apply here (see 7.2.1B).

Table 7U dá and the Copula — The Conditional Mood
The Conditional Mood
before every consonant and every vowel
Dá + ba → Dá mba or Dá mb'
  • Dá mba mhaith leat é, d’fhéadfainn é a fháil duit.
    (EN: If you would like it, I could get it for you.)
  • Dá mba é d’athair a déarfadh sin, chreidfinn é.
    (EN: If it were your father who would say that, I would believe it.)
  • Dá mb'fhear saibhir é, thabharfadh sé síntiús fial uaidh.
    (EN: If he were a rich man, he would give a generous donation.)
  • Dá mba fhreastalaí í, bheadh sí ag obair ar an deireadh seachtaine.
    (EN: If she were a waitress, she would be working on the weekend.)

7.4 The Subjunctive Mood

In the table below, examples of the copula in the subjunctive mood, present tense or future tense are given. The copula is not normally used in the past subjunctive mood.
(TL Note: These were really hard to translate. Please submit suggestions on improvements.)

Table 7V The Subjunctive Mood — The Present Tense and Future Tense
The Subjunctive Mood
before a consonant before a vowel
Positive gura
  • Gura fada buan tú.
    (EN: May you be long-lived.)
  • Gura maith an mhaise dó é.
    (EN: May it be good for him.)
  • Gura slán an scéal é.
    (EN: May the story be safe.)
gurab
  • Gurab ann romhainn a bheidh sé.
    (EN: That it will be there before us.)
  • Gurab amhlaidh duit.
    (EN: May it be so for you.)
  • Gurab é barr do leasa é.
    (EN: That it is in your best interest.)
Negative nára
  • Nára fíor é.
    (EN: That it is not true.)
  • Nára fearrde sibh é.
    (EN: That it would not be better for you.)
  • Nára fada go bhfeicfimid a chéile arís.
    (EN: That it is not long until we would see each other again.)
nárab
  • Nárab am amú é.
    (EN: That it is not a waste of time.)
  • Nárab é a leas é.
    (EN: That it is not for your benefit.)
  • Nárab é duit.
    (EN: That it is not so for you.)