b'6.Grammar overviewA full statement of the grammar of Kiriwina is beyond the scope of this dictionary introduction.The aim is to include here, first, a description of the word classes which enables the reader to follow the grammatical labels and comments given in the dictionary for each lexical unit, together with any additional comments on variant forms, contextual restraints, and also when the lexical units may function as idioms or restricted collocations; and second, a description of the rules that have led to the formation of headwords in the dictionary entries, plus ensuring the provision of enough illustrative examples to show how lexical units are used in sentences.Care is also taken to show how particular kinds of grammatical information are represented in dictionary entries. Ideally there should be enough information for the curious reader to be able to parse and comprehend the illustrative examples. Clearly the dictionary will be deficient in the second of these aims, due in part to limitations on available space for adequate description, and in part to the lexicographers own limitations of understanding.The verb and the verb phrase A single verb word may constitute an entire sentence, as the verb stem may be marked with prefixes indicating actor and mood/aspect, and optionally with suffixes indicating direct object, and other things, as in the word bakalukwaimi we will tell you: ba-kalukwaimi. Irrealiswe(excl pl) tell to junction you(pl) We(excl pl) will tell you(pl). Also there may be reduplication within the verb stem indicating continuity of action. There are four classes of verbs: Class 1 verbs are stative.These describe the state or condition of the subject and are only used intransitively. Bolodila ikaliga.The pig is dead. Bwala ikwaiveka.The house is big. Imwau ninadaisi. We are sad. (lit. Our minds are heavy.) All other verbs are dynamic. Class 2 verbs are dynamic intransitive, having a meaning that implies action or change.Sentences using class 2 verbs are generally ordered SV. Kai makaina ibukula.That tree is fruit-bearing. Tomota igilagalasi.The people are emigrating.Class 3 verbs are dynamic, using a basic verb stem that is intransitive, from which a second stem is derived for transitive reference. This is the largest verb class.Whenever the dictionary headword is a class 3 verb, the derived transitive stem is included and defined within the same entry.Sometimes only the transitive form is synchronically found, but it is still called a class 3 verb, although its intransitive stem is no longer in use (or has not yet surfaced). 17'