22 Lesson 21: Grammar Notes (Continued)
21.4 Degrees of Probability with the Modal Auxiliary
Probability can be added to main verbs in almost all forms studied so far (except the imperative) by joining a modal auxiliary to the end of the verbform.
- -ഏക്കാം (-eekkaam): Indicates “probably” or “must be”.
- -ആയിരിക്കാം (-aayirikkaam): Indicates “may” or “perhaps”.
- -ആയിരിക്കണം (-aayirikkaNam): Indicates “must” or “should be”.
In the present progressive, the copula ആണ് (aaNu) is replaced by the modal auxiliary. For example:
- അവൻ വരുന്നുണ്ടാകും (avan varunnunTaakum): He is probably coming.
For desiderative forms, probability is often expressed by embedding them in a carrier sentence: രാഘവൻ വരണമെന്നായിരിക്കും (raaghavan varaNam-ennaayirikkum)—”Raghavan probably wants to come along”. Negatives are formed by adding the auxiliary to the negative form of the verb: അമ്മ വരികയില്ലായിരിക്കാം (amma varikayillaayirikkaam)—”Mother probably won’t come along”.
21.5 Impersonal Expressions for Physical and Emotional Conditions
Physical feelings like വിശപ്പ് (vishappu – hunger) and ദാഹം (thaaham – thirst), as well as emotional states like സംശയം (samshayam – doubt) and വിഷാദം (vishaadam – sadness), are expressed using the existive verb ഉണ്ട് (unTu) with the logical subject in the dative case.
- Related verbs for physical feelings take a dative subject, while those for emotions (like സംശയിക്കുക – samshayikkuka) take a nominative subject.
21.6 The Progressive Aspect of the Verb
The progressive aspect emphasizes the ongoing process of an action. It is formed by adding the auxiliary verb ആകുക (aakuka) to the citation form of the main verb.
- Present Progressive: വരികയാണ് (varikayaaNu) — “is/am/are coming”.
- Past Progressive: വരികയായിരുന്നു (varikayaayirunnu) — “was/were coming”. This form can also express an action about to happen in the immediate future. It cannot be used if the perfective marker -ഇട്ടു (-ittu) is present.
21.7 A Close Look at Compound Verbs
Compound verbs consist of a main verb (in the conjunctive participle form) followed by a modifier verb that adds a specific nuance. The modifier verb carries the markers for tense, mood, and aspect.
- -കൊണ്ടിരിക്കുക (-koNtirikkuka): Adds a sense of continuous or repetitive action (“keep on”).
- -കളയുക (-kaLayuka): Implies an action done “offhandedly” or with a sense of “away/finality”.
- -തരിക/കൊടുക്കുക (-tharika/koTukkuka): Marks the benefactor of the action (1st/2nd person vs. 3rd person).
- -തീരുക (-theeruka): Emphasizes the completion of the process.
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Lesson 21: Exercises (Transcription)
Exercise 1: Time Clauses
A. Combine the pairs using -പോൾ (-pool):
- എനിക്ക് തോന്നിയപ്പോൾ… (When it occurred to me…).
- അവൻ വന്നപ്പോൾ ഞാൻ ചോദിച്ചു. (When he came, I asked.).
B. Combine the pairs using -അപ്പോഴേക്കും (-appoozheekkum):
- ഞാൻ എത്തിയപ്പോഴേക്കും ബസ്സ് പോയി. (By the time I arrived, the bus had left.).
Exercise 2: Compound Verbs
Form compound verbs using the following modifiers: -കളഞ്ഞു (-kaLanju), -തന്നു (-thannu), -കൊടുത്തു (-koTuthu).
- ഉദാഹരണം (Model): പഠിച്ചു + തീർന്നു പഠിച്ചുതീർന്നു (Finished studying).
Exercise 3: Probability Drills
Change the verbs in the following sentences to show different degrees of probability using -ഏക്കാം, -ആയിരിക്കാം, and -ആയിരിക്കണം.
Exercise 4: Progressive Aspect
Rewrite the sentences provided in the text using the progressive form -കയാണ് (-kayaaNu).
Exercise 5: Telling Time
Respond to the questions about arrival and departure times using the precise time-telling conventions (including half and quarter hours) explained in the lesson.
Exercise 6: Translation
Translate the English sentences (e.g., “I’ll do this as fast as possible”) into Malayalam using the appropriate adverbial linkers.
