The Autonomous Present

Level 4

An autonomous form such as labhraítear presents an action without naming its agent: Labhraítear Gaeilge anseo. It is not identical to every English passive.

How It Works

An autonomous form such as labhraítear presents an action without naming its agent: Labhraítear Gaeilge anseo. It is not identical to every English passive.

The autonomous present describes an action without naming a particular subject as its doer. Its English translation may be passive or use people or one. It is a finite verb form, not simply bí plus a verbal adjective, and has its own conjugation endings.

Examples (3)

  1. Labhraítear Gaeilge anseo.

    Irish is spoken here.

  2. Díoltar arán anseo.

    Bread is sold here.

  3. Osclaítear an siopa ar a naoi.

    The shop is opened at nine.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

The Autonomous PresentLevel 4

Learn This First

Contrast a finite personal present with a form that leaves the actor unnamed.

Learn Next

Patterns that build on this one.