i- + Reduplicated Root

Contemplated I- Form

Level 2

The Contemplated I- Form is used for actions that haven't started yet (future aspect). It focuses on the object being moved, given, or the person benefiting from the action.

How It Works

In Filipino, the contemplated aspect describes actions that are planned or have not yet begun. The i- prefix is a versatile affix that typically indicates a Theme Focus (the object being moved), an Instrument Focus (the tool used), or a Benefactive Focus (doing something for someone).

Formation Rules:

  • Consonant-initial roots: i- + [First Consonant + First Vowel] + [Root].
    Example: sulat (write) → isusulat (will write [it]).
  • Vowel-initial roots: i- + [First Vowel] + [Root].
    Example: abot (hand over) → iaabot (will hand [it] over).

Instrumental and Benefactive Functions:
Beyond moving objects, i- can focus on the tool used for an action (e.g., punas → ipupunas / will use [something] to wipe). It also functions as a benefactive marker directly with certain roots, indicating who the action is for (e.g., bili → ibibili / will buy [for someone]), distinct from the more complex ipag- forms.

Pronunciation Note:
Unlike the -in or -an suffixes, i- verbs typically do not trigger a stress shift in the root word. The stress remains on the same syllable as the neutral form.

Examples (5)

  1. Ibibigay ko ang libro sa iyo bukas.

    I will give the book to you tomorrow.

    Word by Word: Will-give by-me the book to you tomorrow.

    The root 'bigay' (give) uses 'i-' because the object (book) is being moved away from the giver to someone else.

  2. Iluluto kita ng masarap na hapunan.

    I will cook a delicious dinner for you.

    Word by Word: Will-cook you (as subject) of delicious linker dinner.

    This is a benefactive use. Even though 'cook' often uses '-in', 'i-' is used here because the action is being performed for the benefit of 'kita' (you).

  3. Itatapon niya ang basura mamaya.

    He/She will throw away the trash later.

    Word by Word: Will-throw-away by-him/her the trash later.

    The root 'tapon' (throw) reduplicates the first syllable 'ta' to show the action hasn't happened yet.

  4. Isusulat ko ang pangalan mo rito.

    I will write your name here.

    Word by Word: Will-write by-me the name of-you here.

    Using 'i-' focuses on the specific information (the name) being put onto the paper.

  5. Iaabot ni Maria ang bayad.

    Maria will hand over the payment.

    Word by Word: Will-hand-over by Maria the payment.

    For vowel-initial roots like 'abot', only the first vowel 'a' is repeated.

Common Mistakes

  • Reduplicating the prefix 'i-' instead of the root's first syllable.

    Iisulat ko ang mensahe.
    Isusulat ko ang mensahe.

    In Filipino aspect formation, you reduplicate the first syllable of the root word (su-sulat), not the prefix (i-).

  • 'Isusulat mo' is a statement about the future, not a command.

    Different MeaningIsusulat mo ang iyong pangalan!
    Isulat mo ang iyong pangalan!

    'Isusulat mo ang iyong pangalan!' is a good sentence: 'You will write your name!' The command form uses 'i-' without reduplication: 'Isulat mo ang iyong pangalan!'

  • Using the wrong focus for the subject.

    Isusulat ako ng libro.
    Magsusulat ako ng libro.

    If 'Ako' (I) is the subject, you must use an actor-focus prefix like 'mag-'. The 'i-' prefix requires the object (the book) to be the subject.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

i- + Reduplicated RootLevel 2Contemplated I- Form

Learn This First

To learn the contemplated form of i- verbs (like 'isusulat'), you need to understand how the i- prefix functions to focus on a theme or instrument. You also need to be familiar with the rule of syllable reduplication, which is the primary way Filipino indicates that an action has not yet begun.

Words in This Pattern

i-