Page:An Irish-English dictionary, being a thesaurus of words, phrases and idioms of the modern Irish language, with explanations in English.djvu/805



dependent form of the verb is that used in the imperative mood and after, not; , interrog. part.;, interrog. neg. part.:, that; , where; , unless; , if, and tho relative governed by a preposition. In these verbs in some tenses the independent or absolute form is distinct from the dependent form. Thus,, I say, but , I do not say; , I will give, but , I will not give; , I have money, but ? have you money? The tendency of the modern development of the language is to break down the distinction between the two sets of forms and use one form in all cases. Indeed the perfection with which this distinction is observed may furnish a rough test of the purity and strength of the vernacular idiom in any district. The generation which has just passed away observed this distinction more scrupulously than the present. Thus, I remember old people say or, I will give you a shilling, now one hoars generally. In West Kerry good speakers now say, while in East Kerry the proper form is retained. The verb has a strong tendency to part with its dependent forms, especially in the future and conditional. One hears (present), but also commonly  (future). still holds its own in the present ( not being pronounced), especially in more solemn statements as, I solemnly assure you; but and  are also used. A perfect form (old preterite,, 3rd singular) is heard in Kerry.

I have ventured to supply a 1st sing, imperat. which is peculiar in its use. In using this form the speaker commands not himself but another—he commands or entreats that a certain act be performed (the verb for which is not expressed), which will result in a certain consequence to himself, this consequence being expressed by this 1st singular 3 E