gun robh
that was*
nach robh
that was not*
*this is not a direct translation
What are gun robh and nach robh?
They are both parts of speech formed of a particle and verb, but they allow us to link two sentences together to form indirect statements. They are like gu bheil and nach eil, but in the past tense.
What is the difference between an indirect statement and a direct statement?
An indirect statement in English is I think that Tommy was sick. A direct statement is Tommy was sick.
Why do I use gun robh and nach robh? How do I use gun robh and nach robh?
You use gun robh and nach robh to tie two sentences together Tha mi a’ smaoineachadh gun robh mi tinn.
How do I use gun robh and nach robh?
[Tha mi a’ smaoineachadh.] + [bha mi sgìth] = Tha mi a’ smaoineachadh gun robh mi sgìth.
Replace the second sentence’s bha with gun robh.
Tha i a’ smaoineachadh gun robh mi sgìth
She thinks that I was tired
Tha mi a’ smaoineachadh. + Cha robh mi leisg = Tha mi a’ smaoineachadh + [nach robh] + mi leisg.
Replace cha robh with nach robh.
Tha i a’ smaoineachadh nach robh mi leisg
She thinks that I was not lazy