Object + a + Verbal Noun
Objects Before Verbal Nouns
An object can precede a and a verbal noun: an leabhar a léamh. The particle causes lenition where possible, as in an doras a dhúnadh.
How It Works
An object can precede a and a verbal noun: an leabhar a léamh. The particle causes lenition where possible, as in an doras a dhúnadh.
In this nonfinite frame the object appears before a and the verbal noun. The particle normally lenites the verbal noun's initial, as in an doras a dhúnadh. The whole phrase can follow a wish, instruction or evaluation; a here is not the English indefinite article.
Examples (3)
- Ba mhaith liom an leabhar a léamh.
I would like to read the book.
- Caithfidh tú an doras a dhúnadh.
You must close the door.
- Tá sé éasca an cheist a thuiscint.
It is easy to understand the question.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Recognize a nonfinite action before placing its object before a and the verbal noun.
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.