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The subject of the verb used in reply need not be expressed, except when it is contained in the verb ending. In English we frequently use a double reply, as “Yes, I will.” “No, I was not,” &c. In Irish we use only one reply.
| Ḃfuil tú tinn? Táim. | Are you sick? Yes, or I am.
|
| Raiḃ sé annsoin? Ní raiḃ. | Was he there ? No. |
An ḃfaca tú Seaġán? Ní ḟaca or ní ḟacas.
|
Did you see John ? No. |
An ḃfaca sé an teaċ? Ċonnaic.
|
Did he see the house? He did.
|
An dtuigeann tú? Tuigim.
|
Do you understand ? Yes. |
| An dtiocfaiḋ tú? Ní ṫiocfad. | Will you come? No, I will not. |
(b) When the question has been asked with any part of the verb is, expressed or understood, followed by a definite noun, the English subject must be used in the answer, as also must the verb, except when the answer is negative.
| An tú an fear? Ní mise. | Are you the man? No. |
| Naċ é sin an fear? Is é. | Is not he the man ? Yes, he is.
|
Ar ḃ’é sin Seaġán? Níor ḃ’é.
|
Was that John? No, it was not.
|
