ann an

== Scottish Gaelic == === Etymology === Extension of an (“in”) with ann (“there, in it”), from early modern eclipsing a n-, i n- (“in”) (eg. a dtigh gach Crīstaidhe ― in a house of every Christian, a dtiomna Dhé ― in the revelation of God) from Old Irish i. Compare Irish i. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): (before a, o, u or a broad consonant) /ˈan̪ˠən̪ˠ/, (before broad g or k) /ˈan̪ˠəŋ/, (before e, i or a slender consonant) /ˈan̪ˠəɲ/, (before a consonant) /ˈan̪ˠə/ === Preposition === ann an (+ dative, no mutation, before the definite article anns, combined with the singular definite article san, sa, combined with the plural definite article sna) in a bheil e ann an taigh? ― is he in a house? bidh iad ann an coilltean ― they will be in forests bha i glè fhada anns a' bheachd sin ― she was of that opinion for a long time (literally, “she was very long in that opinion”) on (certain geographical features, most notably islands) ann an Uibhist a Deas ― on South Uist (this usage is followed in Highland English) anns a' chladach ― on the shore at (time) anns a' bhad ― straight away san àm-sa ― at the moment Used to indicate possession of a disposition, inherent quality, or permanent nature 's e Albannach a tha annam ― I am a Scottish person (literally, “it is a Scottish person that is in me”) tha i biorach sa chluas ― she has a keen sense of hearing (literally, “she is pointy in the ear”) tha inntinn mhath innte ― she is clever; she has her head screwed on (literally, “there is a good mind in her”) (idiomatic) Used to state possession of certain physical features, e.g. eyes, wrinkles, a limp tha sùilean uaine innte ― she has green eyes (literally, “there are green eyes in her”) ==== Usage notes ==== The an does not represent the definite article in this expression and does not change before plural nouns, for "in the" see anns, sa, san, and sna. Before words beginning with b, f, m or p, ann am is used. Sometimes an (“in”) is used on its own without the ann part. ==== Inflection ==== === References ===