Understanding grammar helps learners form correct sentences. Modern
learners benefit from simple rules:
Sentence Structure
Edo generally follows Subject– Verb– Object order.
Examples:
1. Méréámé–Iamdrinking water
2. Ómonáàrééwé–Thechildis reading a book
3. Iye-mwen ré úkpó– Mother is cooking soup
Tip: Always identify the subject first, then verb, then object.
Questions
Questions often use tone and question words:
1. Vbé óré?– Whereare you?
2. Vbé ówá?–Whatdoyouwant?
3. Kóyo vbé?– Howareyou?
Practice Tip: Practice speaking questions aloud with a partner.
Negatives
Negation is formed by adding “mé” before the verb.
Example:
1. Mérééwé–Iamnotreading abook
2. Méwáámé–Idonotwantwater
Tip: Use negatives in simple sentences for early practice.
Practical Dialogues for
Modern Learners
At Home
1. Child: Kóyo, Iye-mwen
2. Mother: Kóyo, omo mhen
3. Child: Mé ré ámé
4. Mother: Órhé
(Hello, mother / Hello, my child / I am drinking water / You’re welcome)
Lesson: Teaches greetings, daily activities, and politeness.
At School
Teacher: Kóyo, omo-éwé
Child: Kóyo, Íkpónmwén
Teacher: Mé ré éwé?
Child: Mé ré éwé
(Hello, pupil / Hello, teacher / Are you reading? / I am reading)
Lesson: Simple classroom conversation builds confidence.
At the Market
Child: Kóyo, mé wá ívbé
Seller: Vbé ó wá ívbé?
Child: Ókpá
Seller: Órhé, ékpé
(Hello, I want rice / How much rice? / One / Thank you, enjoy)
Lesson: Combines vocabulary, numbers, and polite phrases.
Visiting Relatives
Child: Kóyo, Iye-okpa
Grandparent: Kóyo, omo mhen
Child: Mé sé ékpé
Grandparent: Órhé, ré ówá-mwen
(Hello, grandfather / Hello, my child / Thank you / Welcome, sit down)