Simple Statement Order
A basic transitive clause places its subject before the verb and its direct object after it.
How It Works
In Maryam ta rufe ƙofa, Maryam names the subject, ta marks feminine singular completive, and ƙofa is the direct object. Without a named subject, the marker can identify the participant: Na sayi fensir means “I bought a pencil”.
Compare Musa ya sha ruwa “Musa drank water” with Musa yana shan ruwa “Musa is drinking water”. The marker and action form change while basic participant order remains. With an overt subject, reduced Musa na shan ruwa is also grammatical.
Fronted questions or emphasis can require relative TAM. In the ordinary indirect-object frame, the recipient follows the verb before the direct object; more complex indirect objects can follow a different arrangement. Motion destinations may be locatives rather than direct objects. Object type can also affect the verb's form.
Examples (3)
- Maryam ta rufe ƙofa.
Maryam closed a door.
Ta follows the named feminine subject.
- Yara sun kawo ruwa.
The children brought water.
Sun agrees with the plural subject.
- Na sayi fensir.
I bought a pencil.
Na identifies the speaker and supplies completive marking.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- Reading the Subject and Action Frame
Explains preverbal agreement and action frames.
Level 3 - na / ta / sunCompleted Actions
Introduces completed-event marking.
Level 1 - waGiving or Doing Something for Someone
Adds recipients to transitive clauses.
Level 3 - Completed Actions After Focus
Develops fronted questions and focus.
Level 3
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice Simple Statement Order in Bubblegum
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