The Copula in the Irish Language

Irish uses two different verbs that correspond to the English verb is/am. A special verb called the copula is used:

1. To say what something is (identification and classification).
2. With the preposition le to express ownership.
3. To give your name.
4. To mark emphasis by moving words toward the beginning of a sentence.

In other situations, the verb bí (tá) is used. Here are some examples:

1. Tá mé sásta = I am happy.
2. Is múinteoir mé = I am a teach.
3. Is mé an múinteoir = I am the teacher.
4. Is mise Máire = I am Máire.

Caol le caol agus leathan le leathan

Irish has a very regular spelling system. although it may seem intimidating at first. The golden rule for spelling in Irish, caol le caol agus leathan le leathan, means “slender with slender and broad with broad“. It means that the vowels on either side of a consonant (or group of consonants) should agree; they should both be broad or both be slender. There are a few common words that do not satisfy this rule.This rule is important when you add an ending to a word (e.g., when conjugating a verb). To satisfy the rule you may need to add a vowel between the word and its ending.

More Irish Grammar

1. Learn Irish Gaelic grammar in bitesize lessons on Bitesize Irish Gaelic.
2. For a quick fix, check out the free PDF grammar guide.