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(f) When a simple adjective follows the verb “to be” in English, either is or tá may be employed in translating, as,
- Honey is sweet, is milis mil or tá mil milis.
- He is strong, is láidir é or tá sé láidir.
587. The beginning of a sentence is naturally the place of greatest prominence, and is usually occupied in Irish by the verb. When, however, any idea other than that contained in the verb is to be emphasised, it is placed immediately after the verb is, and the rest of the sentence is thrown into the relative form.
For example, “We went to Derry yesterday,” would be generally translated: Ċuaiḋ sinn go Doire indé: but it may also take the following forms according to the word emphasised.
We went to Derry yesterday.
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Is sinne do ċuaiḋ go Doire indé.
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We went to Derry yesterday.
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Is go Doire do ċuaiḋ sinn indé.
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We went to Derry yesterday.
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Is indé do ċuaiḋ sinn go Doire.
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588.
The Verb IS is then used.
| (1) | To express | Identity, | e.g., | Is é Conn an rí.
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| (2) | „ | Classification, | „ | Is rí Conn.
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| (3) | „ | Emphasis, | „ | Is indé do ċuaiḋ sinn go Doire.
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