Look at the following negative sentences from the dialogue:

T2.2i

Now look at these question word questions from the dialogue:

T2.2j

As you can see we don’t use the n~wa: / nv` ending in these negative sentences or question word questions. Instead we add nne / N@n. This form of the verb is known as the emphatic present. The emphatic present form of the verb is used to make negative sentences and questions in the Sinhala equivalent of the simple present. Remember we can also use this to talk about what is happening now and what we plan to do in the future.

2. The Emphatic Present:

The emphatic present is also used to make positive sentences when we want to add special emphasis to the sentence. By using the emphatic present we draw special attention to what is placed after it. Look at these examples from Unit 1 Lesson 4.

T2.2k

3. Yes / No questions:

We have looked at yes / no questions before in Unit 1 Lessons 2 and 3 but let’s look at the examples from this dialogue.

T2.2l

Remember we use the ending d~ / q 0n the end of the verb to make yes no questions.

4. Adverbs of Frequency:

In English we often use adverbs of frequency, words like always, sometimes, often, never, with the Simple Present tense. The same is true in Sinhala when the idea of habits or routines is being expressed. Look at these examples from the dialogue:

T2.2m