kamatuoran nga
The Fact That
Use kamatuoran nga to turn a whole sentence into a 'fact' that can be the subject or object of another sentence. It is the formal way to say 'the fact that'.
How It Works
In Cebuano, kamatuoran nga is a high-register construction used to discuss objective realities.
1. Structure and Markers
It is almost always preceded by a core phrase marker:
- Ang kamatuoran nga...: Used when the 'fact' is the topic or subject of the sentence.
- Sa kamatuoran nga...: Used when the 'fact' is an object of a preposition or part of a reason (e.g., 'because of the fact that').
2. Morphological Breakdown
The word kamatuoran is derived from the adjective matuod (true) using the ka-...-an circumfix. Note the standard phonological shift where the 'd' in matuod becomes 'r' when the suffix is added. While words ending in '-n' typically contract with the ligature to become kamatuorang, formal writing often retains the full kamatuoran nga for emphasis and clarity.
3. Register and Usage
While you will hear this in daily life during serious discussions, it is most prevalent in:
- Legal and official documents.
- News broadcasting and journalism.
- Religious texts and formal speeches.
4. Transition Usage
Beyond the 'fact that' clause, the phrase Sa kamatuoran (without the nga) is frequently used as a standalone transition meaning 'In fact' or 'Actually' to introduce a clarifying point.
5. Distinction from 'Tinuod'
Learners often confuse this with the adjective tinuod. Use tinuod nga when you want to say 'It is true that...' (a predicate). Use kamatuoran nga when you need a noun phrase (e.g., 'The fact that he left...').
Examples (4)
- Ang kamatuoran nga wala siya miabot nakapabalaka kanamo.
The fact that he did not arrive made us worried.
Word by Word: The truth that not he arrived caused-worry to-us.
Here, the entire clause 'he did not arrive' is turned into the subject of the sentence using 'Ang kamatuoran nga'.
- Dili nato malikayan ang kamatuoran nga nagkalisod ang panahon.
We cannot avoid the fact that times are getting harder.
Word by Word: Not by-us can-be-avoided the truth that is-becoming-difficult the time.
The 'fact' acts as the object of the verb 'malikayan' (to avoid).
- Bisan pa sa kamatuoran nga siya nasayop, gipasaylo gihapon siya.
Despite the fact that he was wrong, he was still forgiven.
Word by Word: Even yet at-the truth that he erred, was-forgiven still he.
Using 'sa' before 'kamatuoran' allows it to follow the prepositional phrase 'bisan pa' (despite).
- Dawata ang kamatuoran nga dili na siya mobalik.
Accept the fact that he is not coming back anymore.
Word by Word: Accept the truth that not already he will-return.
This uses the imperative 'dawata' (accept) with the fact as the direct object.
Common Mistakes
Omitting the ligature 'nga' after kamatuoran.
Ang kamatuoran siya nasayop...Ang kamatuoran nga siya nasayop...In Cebuano, a noun cannot directly precede a clause without a ligature to connect them.
Using 'kay' (because) instead of 'nga'.
Ang kamatuoran kay wala siya...Ang kamatuoran nga wala siya...While 'kay' explains a reason, 'nga' is required to define the content of the 'fact' itself.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand 'kamatuoran nga' (the fact that), a learner needs to be familiar with how the ligature 'nga' functions as a complementizer to connect a noun to a full descriptive clause. It also builds upon the basic noun-plus-clause structure and requires knowledge of the 'ang' marker, as this phrase usually acts as a noun phrase within a larger sentence.
- ngaThat
The pattern 'kamatuoran nga' uses 'nga' as a complementizer to link the noun 'kamatuoran' (truth/fact) to a following clause.
Level 2 - Noun + nga + ClauseRelative Clause
This pattern is a specific application of the general noun-plus-clause structure, where the noun 'kamatuoran' is modified by a relative or complement clause.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- ka-...-anAbstract or Collective Noun
Kamatuoran is a prime example of an abstract noun formed using this circumfix.
Level 4 - nga / -ngThe Ligature
The ligature is essential for connecting the noun 'kamatuoran' to the clause that describes the fact.
Foundations - sa pagkatinuodIn Truth
This is an adverbial phrase meaning 'in fact' or 'actually', often confused with the noun phrase 'kamatuoran nga'.
Level 5 - ang + Clause + mao nga + ClauseA Clause as Focused Argument
This pattern explains how entire clauses can function as the 'ang' (topic) of a sentence, which is what happens here.
Level 5 - dili ikalimod ngaIt Cannot Be Denied That
A similar formal expression meaning 'it cannot be denied that', often used in the same contexts.
Level 5 - tungod saBecause of
Often used together as 'tungod sa kamatuoran nga' (because of the fact that).
Level 2
Words in This Pattern
Practice kamatuoran nga in Bubblegum
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