Putting Words in Order
Subject + optional aspect marker + verb + direct object.
How It Works
A name, noun phrase or suitable pronoun can be the subject. The direct object follows the lexical verb. Aspect markers such as ń and ti precede the verb; the object still follows it.
Compare Adé ń pe Bísí, “Adé is calling Bísí,” with Bísí ń pe Adé, “Bísí is calling Adé.” Reversing the participants reverses their roles. In Àwọn ọmọ ń mu omi, “The children are drinking water,” the whole phrase àwọn ọmọ forms the subject.
The verb has no person or plural ending in these patterns. Some verbs take no object. Focus constructions can place a participant before ni, and serial constructions contain linked verbs. Those constructions require their own analysis beyond this basic template.
Examples (3)
- Adé ń pe Bísí.
Adé is calling Bísí.
Adé is the subject; Bísí is the direct object.
- Bísí ń pe Adé.
Bísí is calling Adé.
Reversing the names reverses their participant roles.
- Mo ti ra àpò.
I have bought a bag.
Ti precedes ra; object àpò follows the verb.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- mo / o / óSingular Subject Pronouns
Supplies short singular subjects.
Level 1 - a / ẹ / wọ́nPlural and Respectful Subjects
Supplies plural and respectful subjects.
Level 1 - ńAn Action in Progress
Adds a preverbal aspect marker.
Level 1 - Object mi / ọ / unShort Object Pronouns
Develops postverbal object pronouns.
Level 1 - Focus With niHighlighting a Participant
Explains participant fronting beyond the basic order.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Practice Putting Words in Order in Bubblegum
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