níwọ̀n bí

Given That or as Long as

Level 3

Níwọ̀n bí + clause introduces the premise or condition supporting the main statement.

How It Works

In Standard Nigerian Yoruba, níwọ̀n bí introduces a clause giving a supporting premise or limiting condition. Write the expression with its ordinary tone marks. Follow it with a subject and predicate, then give the main statement. The expression has no person, number or gender endings; the two clauses can have different subjects.

For an established premise, English “given that” or “since” fits: having money supports the possibility of buying a book. In Níwọ̀n bí Adé ti jẹun, a lè lọ, Adé’s completed meal supports our leaving. Here ti belongs to the premise’s predicate.

The supplied scholarly witness also supports a limiting condition with bá ti ń. The food-budget example means that buying food remains possible as long as money continues to be set aside. Contrast the established money premise with this continuing requirement: the latter does not assert that the requirement is unconditionally fulfilled. This witness supports the illustrated frame, without establishing every possible tense or aspect combination.

Examples (3)

  1. Níwọ̀n bí o ní owó, o lè ra ìwé.

    Given that you have money, you can buy a book.

    Having money is presented as an established premise supporting the purchase.

  2. Níwọ̀n bí Adé ti jẹun, a lè lọ.

    Given that Adé has eaten, we can leave.

    Ti marks the meal as completed; Adé and the people leaving are different clause participants.

  3. Níwọ̀n bí o bá ti ń fi owó oúnjẹ sílẹ̀, a lè ra oúnjẹ.

    As long as you keep setting aside money for food, we can buy food.

    The bá ti ń clause makes continued provision of food money the limiting requirement.

How It Connects

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

níwọ̀n bíLevel 3Given That or as Long as

Learn This First

Introduce a supporting premise or a continuing requirement.