Grammar
Let’s recap. From our earlier discussions, we know that we can focus on part of a sentence in English and Tagalog. In English, we normally do this by stressing the word we want to focus on. In Tagalog, we use the verb form associated with the word’s part of speech – actor, object or IO. So beginning learners need to hone this natural sense of what part of speech they are emphasizing, which leads to selecting the verb and producing the correct sentence. Simple, right? Well, it wasn’t that simple for me, so here are some helpful tips.
A detailed account of choosing a verb
So how does one actually choose the verb? When you are just learning how to form Tagalog sentences, this is roughly what goes through your mind. You know what you want to say in your native language, so you know
The verb meaning and that will determine the root.
The word you want to stress and that will determine the focus.
With the root and focus, you should be able to choose the verb. This can be made more difficult by roots that have more than one affix per focus. In these cases there is usually a clear difference in the definition of the verbs:
Ex: mag-alis
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= to remove something (root = alis, focus = AF)
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Ex: umalis
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= to leave (root = alis, focus = AF)
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which makes selecting the right one easy, but sometimes the meanings are quite similar:
Ex: magpunta
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= to go (root = punta, focus = AF)
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Ex: pumunta
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= to go (root = punta, focus = AF)
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which makes it harder, but in these cases both are probably ok; just choose the one you feel is more common if possible.
About the Sample Sentences
Much of the ability to choose the verb comes from exposure and usage. Reading, listening, conversing, writing, vocabulary, pronunciation and grammar – practice the 7 pillars of language learning to become a well-rounded language learner and you will get good at choosing verbs. I can’t give you enough practice in all those facets within the confines of this book.
But one thing that we can work on here is the ability to choose the right affix from amongst verbs that you are already familiar with. In the sample sentences you will be given an English translation with the focus in italics. You’ve already learned the correct verb in a previous lesson. You will need to recall it, conjugate it and create the Tagalog sentence.
Sample Sentences
Q1
They asked for a car for Maria already.
Inihingi na nila ng kotse si Maria.
Q2
Jack borrowed money from Liwayway.
Humihiram ng pera si Jack kay Liwayway.
Q3
I'll bring the cake.
Dadalhin ko ang cake.
Q4
We need to get our books.
Kailangan nating kunin ang ating mga libro.
Q5
(You) Give me pizza now!
Magbigay ka ng pizza sa akin ngayon!
Q6
Mrs. Dias did that.
Ginawa ni Mrs. Dias iyan.
Q7
She isn't putting the child in the car.
Hindi siya naglalagay ng bata sa kotse.
Q8
When will you look for mangoes for the boys?
Kailan mo ihahanap ng mangga ang mga lalaki?
Q9
She doesn't like to read to you.
Ayaw ka niyang basahan.
Q10
Did you write a story?
Nagsulat ka ba ng kuwento?