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Negative form of the verb “to be” Exercises in Latvian language

Group of students discussing grammar in the library.

In Latvian, constructing negative sentences using the verb "to be" (būt) involves a different structure than in English. Understanding this structure is essential for mastering the language. The negative form of "to be" in Latvian requires the use of the negative particle "nav" for all persons and numbers, as opposed to English where "am not," "is not," and "are not" are used. For example, "Es esmu" (I am) becomes "Es neesmu" (I am not), and "Viņš ir" (He is) becomes "Viņš nav" (He is not). This consistent use of "nav" simplifies the process once you grasp the basic rules. To aid in learning, our exercises focus on transforming affirmative sentences into negative ones, reinforcing the proper use of "neesmu," "neesat," "neesi," and "nav." These drills will help you practice and internalize the negative forms, making your Latvian conversations more accurate and fluent. By engaging with these exercises, you will not only improve your grammatical skills but also gain confidence in negating sentences in various contexts, from casual dialogues to more formal communications.

Exercise 1

1. Viņš *nav* mājās (negative form of "is"). 2. Mēs *nebijām* parkā vakar (negative form of "were"). 3. Tu *neesi* skolā šodien (negative form of "are"). 4. Viņa *nebija* laimīga vakar (negative form of "was"). 5. Es *nebiju* noguris vakar (negative form of "was"). 6. Jūs *nesat* draudzīgi (negative form of "are"). 7. Viņi *nebūs* mājās rīt (negative form of "will be"). 8. Tas *nav* taisnība (negative form of "is"). 9. Mēs *nebijām* gatavi (negative form of "were"). 10. Šis *nav* mūsu suns (negative form of "is").

Exercise 2

1. Viņš *nav* mājās (negative form of "is"). 2. Mēs *neesam* draugi (negative form of "are"). 3. Jūs *nebijāt* klāt pagājušajā nedēļā (negative form of "were"). 4. Tu *neesi* skolā šodien (negative form of "are"). 5. Es *neesmu* noguris (negative form of "am"). 6. Viņi *nav* studenti (negative form of "are"). 7. Jānis *nebija* darbā vakar (negative form of "was"). 8. Mēs *neesam* gatavi (negative form of "are"). 9. Tu *neesi* taisnība (negative form of "are"). 10. Viņa *nav* laimīga (negative form of "is").

Exercise 3

1. Es *neesmu* noguris (negative form of "to be tired"). 2. Viņa *nav* skolotāja (negative form of "to be a teacher"). 3. Mēs *nebijām* mājās vakar (negative form of "to be at home yesterday"). 4. Tu *neesi* mans draugs (negative form of "to be my friend"). 5. Viņi *nebūs* laimīgi par to (negative form of "to be happy about that"). 6. Es *neesmu* izsalcis (negative form of "to be hungry"). 7. Viņas *nav* skolā šodien (negative form of "to be at school today"). 8. Jūs *nebijāt* taisnība (negative form of "to be right"). 9. Viņš *nav* ārsts (negative form of "to be a doctor"). 10. Mēs *nebijām* tur pagājušajā nedēļā (negative form of "to be there last week").