A Linked Descriptive Phrase

Level 2

Use -r for feminine singular and -n for masculine or plural reference.

How It Works

The linker attaches to the adjective in ordinary writing. Sabo + -n produces sabon; sabuwa + -r produces sabuwar. Before a plural noun, choose the attested plural adjective and then its -n linker.

Compare farar jaka with jaka fara. Both describe a white bag. The following order omits the connecting linker and tends to emphasize the adjective. Both are noun phrases rather than complete identifying sentences.

Feminine -r frequently assimilates to the next consonant in speech. Retain the written linker in ordinary Boko and label assimilated representations as pronunciation notation. Quality nouns commonly use mai/masu, so an English descriptive meaning alone does not license this adjective construction.

Examples (4)

  1. dogon mutum

    a tall person

    Masculine noun phrase with dogo plus -n.

  2. doguwar mace

    a tall woman

    Feminine noun phrase with doguwa plus -r.

  3. dogwayen mutane

    tall people

    Plural dogwaye carries -n.

  4. Na sayi sabuwar riga.

    I bought a new shirt.

    The linked phrase is the noun object.

How It Connects

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

A Linked Descriptive PhraseLevel 2

Learn This First

Recognize lexical adjective gender forms, inherited linking and demonstrative foundations, and inherited completed-event noun-object frames before placing the agreeing linked adjective before its noun.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.