an + Eclipsis
Present Verb Questions
An normally causes eclipsis in ordinary present questions: An dtuigeann tú? A vowel-initial verb takes n- after the particle.
How It Works
An normally causes eclipsis in ordinary present questions: An dtuigeann tú? A vowel-initial verb takes n- after the particle.
The question particle an normally causes eclipsis in this ordinary present-tense frame: tuigeann becomes dtuigeann and briseann becomes mbriseann. Before an initial vowel write n-, as in an n-ólann. Answer using the appropriate affirmative or negative verb, not the question's eclipsed form.
Examples (3)
- An dtuigeann tú an cheist?
Do you understand the question?
- An mbriseann sé na rialacha?
Does he break the rules?
- An n-ólann tú tae?
Do you drink tea?
How It Connects
Learn This First
Apply known eclipsis to the ordinary question particle's verb.
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice an + Eclipsis in Bubblegum
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