Page:Graimear na Gaedhilge.djvu/254

(d) When the indefinite noun after the verb “to be” in English is qualified by an adjective, the verb is or tá may be used according to the idea we wish to convey. If we wish to express a “condition sentence” (i.e., one which has reference to the state or condition of the subject at the time in question), we use tá; otherwise we employ is, e.g.,

He is a small man.	Tá sé ’na ḟear ḃeag.
He is a useful man.	Tá sé ’na ḟear ḟóġanta.
She was a good woman	Ḃí sí ’na mnaoi ṁaiṫ.

(e) When the verb is is employed in such sentences there is a choice of two constructions. In the second construction (as given in the examples below), we emphasise the adjective, by making it the prominent idea of the sentence. The definite article must be used in the second construction.

Is lá breáġ é. Is breáġ an lá é.	$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$	It is a fine day.
Is oiḋċe ḟuar í. Is fuar an oiḋċe í.	$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$	It is a cold night.
Is bó breáġ í sin. Is breáġ an bó í sin.	$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$	That is a fine cow.
Naċ oileán deas é sin? Naċ deas an t‑oileán é sin?	$\scriptstyle {\left.{\begin{matrix}\ \\\\\ \ \end{matrix}}\right\}\,}$	Isn't that a pretty island?