We may here also mention that it will often be very necessary to notice the circumstances connected with the uttering of a sentence, i. e. whether it be emphatic; whether it be the answer to a question; whether a large measure of certainty is designed to be implied, &c., &c. On these particulars we shall remark in the Syntax.
.As it is quite immaterial with which part of the verb we commence, we begin with the imperative; simply because our remarks on it will be rather extended, and 2ndly, because we wish that our illustrations of that mood should appear in an unbroken line with our examples of the other parts of the Maori verbs.
§. 8. The imperative mood of Maori abounds in more minute distinctions than any other part of the verb. We present them all here; chiefly because the sentences in which they occur are, for the most part, simple.
1. The most common form for expressing the imperative of an active verb is by its passive; e. g.,
| ACTIVE FORM. | IMPERATIVE. |
| Patu, to strike, | Patua, strike (it). |
| Tua, to fell, | Tuaina, fell (it). |
For the passive voice, see table under that head.
2. (a) If the verb be neuter, and in the second person, the simple ground form is used; e. g.,
- Haere, go.
- Hororo, make haste.
- Tena, be prompt, be quick.
- Kati, be quiet.
- Whetero, put out your tongue.[13]
(b) Occasionally, however, we find the passive form used, when the meaning of the verb is neuter; e. g.
- Hapainga, let us start.
- Takiritia, idem.
- Kokiritia, dash forward (in pursuit, &c.)
- Hoea tatou, let us paddle.