When the Genitive Is Not Used

Level 5

Irish sometimes keeps a common-case form where a simple rule might predict a genitive, especially in complex definite constructions. Analyze the whole noun phrase.

How It Works

Irish sometimes keeps a common-case form where a simple rule might predict a genitive, especially in complex definite constructions. Analyze the whole noun phrase.

A genitive-looking environment does not always change every noun to its dictionary genitive form. A noun followed by a definite genitive modifier can remain in the common form in a larger expression. Compare ag léamh leabhair with ag léamh leabhar an mhúinteora; analyze the complete object phrase before changing its head.

Examples (3)

  1. Tá mé ag léamh leabhar an mhúinteora.

    I am reading the teacher's book.

  2. Tá sí ag déanamh obair na scoile.

    She is doing the schoolwork.

  3. Tá sé ag oscailt doras an tí.

    He is opening the house's door.

How It Connects

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

When the Genitive Is Not UsedLevel 5

Learn This First

Refine a basic verbal-noun genitive rule when the whole object phrase is complex.