Wikilret Syntax

Noun Phrases

Noun phrases make up the subject (S) and object (O) of a sentence.

Noun phrases consist of a noun or pronoun and often inlcude a determiner and adjective.

noun phrase = (determiner) (restrictive adjective) noun (attributive adjective)

Examples:

Joe

ümen kanas the dog

mek saokyölda lëega her blue eyes (literally: her eyes blue)

Verb Phrases

Verb phrases, naturally, make up the verb (V) of a sentence.

Verb phrases consist of a verb and often include an auxilary verb and adverb.

verb phrase = (auxilary verb) (restrictive adverb) verb (attributive adverb)

Examples:

kor run

jas läpän will talk

sotrop lömis shine brightly

Word Order

The type of sentence determines word order. The three sentence types, and their associated word order, are:

Declarative Sentences

Word order: SVO

Examples:

Jo jas läpän. Joe will talk.

ümen kanas jas padak mek. The dog bit her.

Imperative Sentences (Commands)

Word order: SOV

Determiners are generally omitted in imperative sentences

Examples:

Jo käkef ges! Joe come here! (literally: Joe here come!)

Kul ä sakodek keda! Drop my book! (literally: You my book drop!)

Interrogative Sentences (Questions)

Word Order: kwa OSV*

* questions are always preceded by the word kwa

Determiners are generally omitted in interrogative sentences

Examples:

kwa lokas ümen kanas kä? Where is the dog? (literally: "question" location the dog is)

kwa ëpuh pagna kä? When is lunch? (literally: "question" time lunch is)

Yes/No Questions

Word Order: kwa VSO*

Examples:

kwa aripde kul ofid Do you like snakes? (literally: "question" like you snakes)