Actions Used Like Nouns
Some forms add -wa; others change a vowel, tone or stem.
How It Works
Verbal nouns function as nouns and supply action forms in continuative constructions. Many verbs permit -wa forms, especially in Grades 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7. Frequent non-wa forms require lexical learning; some verbs have multiple verbal nouns.
In the regular -wa pattern, add -wa; a final High tone becomes Falling. Grade 7 short-final-u verbs retain High tone instead. Ordinary Boko spelling does not show these pronunciation distinctions.
Before objects, -wa forms drop the suffix and use finite-style object grammar. Non-wa forms take a genitive linker before noun objects and possessive morphology with pronoun objects. Compare Musa yana taimakona., Musa is helping me, with Musa ya taimake ni., Musa helped me. Indirect objects require the verb's dative construction. Certain modal verbs also take verbal nouns, so their use extends beyond ongoing-action clauses.
Examples (4)
- Aisha tana hutawa a gida.
Aisha is resting at home.
Hutawa has no following object.
- Muna sayen shinkafa.
We are buying rice.
Non-wa saye takes linker -n.
- Musa yana taimakona.
Musa is helping me.
Taimako takes possessive object morphology.
- Tafiya tana da amfani.
Traveling is useful.
Tafiya is a noun subject.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Recognize ongoing action frames, linked noun objects, quality predicates and attached first-person possession before verbal nouns, including possessive object marking in taimakona.
- daHaving Something
Recognize ongoing action frames, linked noun objects, quality predicates and attached first-person possession before verbal nouns, including possessive object marking in taimakona.
Level 2 - -na / -taMy with Different Nouns
Recognize ongoing action frames, linked noun objects, quality predicates and attached first-person possession before verbal nouns, including possessive object marking in taimakona.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- ina / kana / kina / yana / tanaOngoing Actions
Uses verbal nouns with singular continuative subjects.
Level 1 - muna / kuna / sunaOngoing Actions with Plural Subjects
Uses verbal nouns with plural continuative subjects.
Level 1 - -n / -rLinking a Noun to Its Possessor
Links non-wa forms to noun objects.
Level 2 - A Common Verb Grade
Commonly permits -wa formation.
Level 3 - waGiving or Doing Something for Someone
Explains recipient constructions.
Level 3
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice Actions Used Like Nouns in Bubblegum
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