Subject - Object - Verb: the verb always closes the sentence.
I can build simple SOV sentences and questions without changing word order.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
ഞാൻ ചായ കുടിക്കുന്നു.
I drink tea.
അവൻ മലയാളം പഠിക്കുന്നു.
He studies Malayalam.
നീ എന്ത് കഴിക്കുന്നു?
What are you eating?
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Malayalam sentences run Subject - Object - Verb: ñān chāya kuṭikkunnu (I tea drink). Questions keep the same order - a question word or rising tone is enough: nī entu kuṭikkunnu? (you what drink?). Time and place words come before the verb too: the verb is always last.
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises
Practice ExercisesPutting the verb in the middle (English/Russian habit). Inverting for questions - Malayalam never inverts.
Verb not in final position
Rebuild scrambled sentences ending with the verb.
ഞാൻ ചായ കുടിക്കുന്നു.
I drink tea.
Literally 'I tea drink' - the verb is last.
അവൻ മലയാളം പഠിക്കുന്നു.
He studies Malayalam.
Same skeleton: subject - object - verb.
നീ എന്ത് കഴിക്കുന്നു?
What are you eating?
Question word slots in; order unchanged.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A1 course exercises