Common Sentence Patterns
Practical patterns for everyday communication
Overview
Learning common sentence patterns helps you form sentences quickly without overthinking grammar. Here are the most useful patterns for daily conversation. Master these patterns and you'll be able to express most everyday ideas!
Examples
Gusto ko + verb
I want to...
💡 Pattern for expressing wants: Gusto ko mokaon (I want to eat), Gusto ko moadto (I want to go)
Kinahanglan ko + verb/noun
I need to.../I need...
💡 Pattern for needs: Kinahanglan ko motabang (I need to help), Kinahanglan ko ug tubig (I need water)
Pwede ba ko + verb?
Can I...?
💡 Asking permission: Pwede ba ko molingkod? (Can I sit?), Pwede ba ko mosulod? (Can I enter?)
Naay + noun + diri/didto?
Is there a... here/there?
💡 Asking about existence: Naay CR diri? (Is there a bathroom here?), Naay jeep didto? (Is there a jeepney there?)
Asa ang + noun?
Where is the...?
💡 Asking locations: Asa ang mall? (Where is the mall?), Asa ang paradahan? (Where is the stop?)
Pila ang + noun?
How much is the...?
💡 Asking prices: Pila ang pamasahe? (How much is the fare?), Pila ang kani? (How much is this?)
Unsa + noun + imong/nimo?
What is your...?
💡 Asking about someone's things: Unsa imong ngalan? (What is your name?), Unsa imong trabaho? (What is your job?)
💡 Tips to Remember
- •'Gusto' is extremely versatile - use it for wants, likes, and preferences
- •'Naay' is the contracted form of 'naa' + 'y' (there is + linker)
- •Add 'ba' to make statements into questions: 'Gusto ka?' (Do you want?)
- •These patterns work with most verbs - just change the verb to express different actions