Language/Cebuano/Grammar/Subject-Verb-Object
The subject-verb-object (SVO) word order is the most common sentence structure in Cebuano. Understanding this basic sentence structure is important for constructing simple sentences in Cebuano.
Subject-Verb-Object Sentence Structure
In Cebuano, the basic sentence structure follows a subject-verb-object pattern. This means that the subject comes first, followed by the verb, and then the object. Here is an example:
Cebuano | Pronunciation | English | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Si Mary | see mah-ree | Mary | mokaon | moh-kah-ohn | will eat | ug pinya | oog pee-nyah | pineapple |
Mary will eat pineapple.
Let's break down this sentence to understand the SVO structure:
- Si Mary (subject): refers to the person who will perform the action - mokaon (verb): indicates the action that will take place - ug pinya (object): refers to the thing or person that is involved in the action
Using the SVO pattern, we can construct other simple sentences in Cebuano:
Cebuano | Pronunciation | English | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ako | ah-koh | I | nagluto | nahg-loo-toh | cooked | sa kan-on | sah kah-non | rice |
I cooked rice.
Cebuano | Pronunciation | English | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Siya | see-yah | He/She | nagdaghan | nahg-dahg-hahn | added | sa asukal | sah ah-soo-kahl | sugar |
He/She added sugar.
Word Order
In a simple sentence with one subject and one object, the basic SVO pattern can easily be followed. However, if a sentence has more than one subject or object, it becomes important to clearly identify the subject and object to maintain proper word order.
For example:
Cebuano | Pronunciation | English | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Ang mga bata | ahng mahg-ah bah-tah | The children | mokaon | moh-kah-ohn | will eat | sa mansanas | sah mahn-sah-nahs | apples |
The children will eat apples.
In this sentence, "ang mga bata" (the children) is the subject and "sa mansanas" (apples) is the object. Since there are two subjects in this sentence, it's important to use the appropriate order to avoid confusion. Using the SVO pattern, we start the sentence with the subject ("ang mga bata") followed by the verb ("mokaon"), and then the object ("sa mansanas").
Practice Sentences
Now it's time to practice constructing simple sentences using the SVO pattern. Here are some examples:
- Siya nagtuon sa eskwelahan. (He/She studies at school.)
- Nagpuyo sila sa dagat. (They live by the sea.)
- Ako mopauli na karong adlawa. (I will go home today.)
- Mga gagmayng isdang piniritohan. (Small fried fish.)
Conclusion
The SVO sentence structure is the basic pattern used in Cebuano to construct simple sentences. By following this pattern and clearly identifying the subject and object, it's easy to create grammatically correct and understandable sentences in Cebuano.
Other Lessons
- Plurals
- Adjective Placement
- Questions
- Negation
- Comparatives and Superlatives
- Pronouns
- Give your Opinion
- Negating Sentences
- 0 to A1 Course
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