ta

Giving a Reason

Level 1

Statement or instruction + ta + reason clause.

How It Works

Place ta before a clause explaining a statement or instruction. An instruction to eat can be followed by a reason about hunger. The reason has its own predicate and necessary participants; it is not simply a noun appended to the first verb.

A causal explanation gives a reason, whereas a purpose introduced by tapno states an intended result. This contrast describes the use taught here. The dictionary also lists “lest” and “so that” for ta; some evaluative adjectives select a clause with it.

Each clause keeps its participant reference: Manganka addresses one person, and mabisinka describes that person as hungry. The connector has no person ending.

Examples (3)

  1. Agawidak ta rabiin.

    I will go home because it is nighttime now.

    The nighttime predicate supplies the reason.

  2. Manganka ta mabisinka.

    Eat, because you are hungry.

    Each predicate carries its own addressee pronoun.

  3. Addakami ditoy ta agtudtudo.

    We are here because it is raining.

    Kami excludes the addressee; the weather predicate is ongoing.