sukad nga
Since the Time That
Use sukad nga to say "since the time that..." followed by a full action or event. It connects a past event to a continuing state or a subsequent action.
How It Works
In Cebuano, sukad nga functions as a temporal subordinator. It is essential for expressing duration that began at a specific moment in the past.
1. The Role of the Ligature
Because sukad ends in the consonant 'd', it always uses the full form of the linker nga. You cannot contract it to -ng. This linker is the usual way to introduce the following clause, though it is sometimes left out.
2. Aspect and Tense
The verb following sukad nga is almost always in the started aspect (completed action). This is because the "since" point refers to an event that has already occurred. You will typically see prefixes like mi- / ni- or nag- in the subordinate clause.
3. Sentence Structure
The pattern usually follows this structure:
• [Main Clause] + sukad nga + [Subordinate Clause]
• Example: Niwang siya sukad nga nasakit siya. (He has been thin since he got sick.)
4. Register
This expression is neutral and used across all levels of speech, from casual conversation to formal news reporting in Bisaya Magasin.
Examples (4)
- Nagkaon sila sukad nga miabot sila.
They have been eating since they arrived.
Word by Word: Eating they since that arrived they.
Here, 'miabot sila' is the starting event. The use of 'nga' connects the time marker 'sukad' to the action.
- Gimingaw gyud ko nimo sukad nga nilarga ka.
I have really missed you since you left.
Word by Word: Missed really I you since that left you.
The started aspect 'nilarga' (left) indicates the point in time when the feeling of missing someone began.
- Daghan ang nausab sukad nga namugna kini nga paagi.
Many things changed since this method was created.
Word by Word: Many the changed since that created this linker method.
This shows a more formal usage where a complex event (the creation of a method) serves as the temporal anchor.
- Wala na siya magpakita sukad nga nag-away mi.
He hasn't shown up since we had a fight.
Word by Word: Not already he show-up since that fought we.
The main clause uses 'wala na' to show a state that has persisted since the event 'nag-away mi'.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the linker 'nga' before a verb.
Different MeaningSukad miabot siya, wala siya mokaon.Sukad nga miabot siya, wala siya mokaon.The usual form puts the linker 'nga' between 'sukad' and a verb: 'sukad nga miabot siya'. Leaving it out is less usual.
Using 'sa' instead of 'nga' before a verb.
Sukad sa nilarga ka...Sukad nga nilarga ka...'Sa' is used for nouns (e.g., sukad sa Lunes). When a verb follows, you must use 'nga'.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'sukad nga', you first need to know the basic preposition 'sukad' (since) and how the ligature 'nga' functions to connect words to entire clauses. Additionally, familiarity with the started aspect (mi-/ni-) is helpful because 'since' usually refers to an event that has already occurred or begun.
- sukadSince
The base word 'sukad' provides the core meaning of 'since' or 'from a point in time'.
Level 4 - nga / -ngThe Ligature
The ligature 'nga' is required to link the preposition 'sukad' to a following clause or verb phrase.
Foundations - mi- / ni-Mi- Started Actor Focus
Since 'sukad nga' refers to a point in time when something began, it is typically used with verbs in the started aspect.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- gikan saFrom
Often confused with 'sukad'; 'gikan sa' focuses on the origin or source, while 'sukad' focuses on temporal duration.
Level 2 - hangtod ngaUntil Such Time That
The logical opposite, meaning 'until the time that', using the same 'nga' clause structure.
Level 5 - sa dihangWhen in the Past
Another temporal subordinator used for 'when' in the past, sharing a similar clausal structure.
Level 4
Words in This Pattern
Practice sukad nga in Bubblegum
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