Being Able to Do Something

Level 5

One positive pattern is taea + e-marked actor + affected phrase + te + action base.

How It Works

In the positive pattern illustrated here, a containing particle precedes taea. An e phrase identifies the actor, and the affected phrase precedes te plus an action base. Compare Ka tuhi a Mere i te reta with Ka taea e Mere te reta te tuhi: the second presents writing the letter as achievable.

This organization relates to passive constructions, but the illustrated te action pattern uses an unsuffixed base. Do not add a passive ending mechanically. Taea does not agree with actor number.

The containing particle contributes meaning: i locates ability in a past situation, and me can make ability a requirement. Ka receives its temporal interpretation from context. Possibility can depend on circumstances rather than permanent skill. Negative patterns have their own framing; do not apply one mechanical substitution to every positive form. Learn each complete pattern with its participant roles.

Examples (3)

  1. Ka taea e Mere te reta te tuhi.

    Mere can write the letter.

    E Mere identifies the actor; te reta identifies what is written.

  2. I taea e mātou ngā pouaka te kawe.

    We were able to carry the boxes.

    I supplies past reference; mātou excludes the addressee.

  3. Me taea e koe tēnei waiata te waiata.

    You must be able to sing this song.

    Me presents the ability as a requirement; the first waiata names the song and the second names the action.

How It Connects

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

Being Able to Do SomethingLevel 5

Learn This First

Introduce the supported taea pattern with an e-marked actor, affected phrase and te-marked unsuffixed action. Distinguish achievability from performance and learn the containing particles without mechanically adding passive suffixes.