Editing Mongolian language (section)

== Grammar ==
The grammar in this article is also based primarily on Khalkha Mongolian. Unlike the phonology, most of what is said about morphology and syntax also holds true for Chakhar,<ref>Sečenbaγatur (2003)</ref> while Khorchin is somewhat more diverse.<ref>Bayančoγtu (2002)</ref>

=== Morphology ===
Modern Mongolian is an [[agglutination|agglutinative]]—almost exclusively suffixing—language, with the only exception being reduplication.<ref>Svantesson ''et al.'' (2005): 58–59.</ref> Mongolian also does not have gendered nouns, or definite articles like "the".<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.linguamongolia.com/gram1.html?LMCL=SOaskU|title=Grammar|website=www.linguamongolia.com|access-date=2020-02-11}}</ref> Most of the suffixes consist of a single [[morpheme]]. There are many [[Derivation (linguistics)|derivation]]al morphemes.<ref>Sečen (2004).</ref> For example, the word {{Transliteration|mn|baiguullagiinh}} consists of the root {{Transliteration|mn|bai}} 'to be', an [[epenthesis|epenthetic]] ‑{{Transliteration|mn|g}}‑, the [[causative]] ‑{{Transliteration|mn|uul}}‑ (hence 'to cause to be', to found), the [[Derivation (linguistics)|derivative]] suffix ‑{{Transliteration|mn|laga}} that forms nouns created by the action (like -''ation'' in ''organisation'') and the complex suffix ‑{{Transliteration|mn|iinkh}} denoting something that belongs to the modified word (‑{{Transliteration|mn|iin}} would be [[genitive case|genitive]]).

Nominal [[compound (linguistics)|compounds]] are quite frequent. Some derivational verbal suffixes are rather [[productivity (linguistics)|productive]], e.g. {{Transliteration|mn|yarikh}} 'to speak', {{Transliteration|mn|yarilc}} 'to speak with each other'. Formally, the independent words derived using verbal suffixes can roughly be divided into three classes: final [[verb]]s, which can only be used sentence-finally, i.e. ‑{{Transliteration|mn|na}} (mainly future or generic statements) or ‑{{Transliteration|mn|ö}} (second person imperative);<ref>Luvsanvandan (ed.) (1987): 151–153, 161–163.</ref> [[participle]]s (often called "verbal nouns"), which can be used clause-finally or attributively, i.e. ‑{{Transliteration|mn|san}} ([[perfect (grammar)|perfect]]-[[past tense|past]])<ref>Hashimoto (1993).</ref> or ‑{{Transliteration|mn|maar}} 'want to'; and [[converb]]s, which can link clauses or function [[adverbial]]ly, i.e. ‑{{Transliteration|mn|j}} (qualifies for any adverbial function or neutrally connects two [[sentence (linguistics)|sentences]]) or ‑{{Transliteration|mn|tal}} (the action of the main [[clause]] takes place until the action expressed by the suffixed verb begins).<ref>Luvsanvandan (ed.) (1987): 103–104, 124–125, 130–131.</ref>

=== Nouns ===
Roughly speaking, Mongolian has between seven and nine [[grammatical case|cases]]: [[nominative case|nominative]] ([[markedness|unmarked]]), [[genitive case|genitive]], [[dative case|dative]]-[[locative case|locative]], [[accusative case|accusative]], [[ablative case|ablative]], [[instrumental case|instrumental]], [[comitative case|comitative]], [[abessive case|privative]] and [[allative case|directive]], though the final two are not always considered part of the case paradigm.<ref>Tsedendamba and Möömöö (1997): 222–232.</ref>{{sfn|Janhunen|2012|p=3}} If a direct object is [[definiteness|definite]], it must take the accusative, while it must take the nominative if it is [[Definiteness|indefinite]].<ref>Guntsetseg (2008): 61. The exact conditions of use for indefinite specific direct objects have not yet been specified in detail, but they appear to be related to animacy and textual context.</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/303336972|title=Differential object marking in Mongolian|last=Guntsetseg|first=Dolgor|date=January 2008|website=Research Gate|access-date=14 March 2020}}</ref> In addition to case, a number of [[Preposition and postposition|postpositions]] exist that usually govern the genitive, dative-locative, comitative and privative cases, including a marked form of the nominative (which can itself then take further case forms). There is also a possible attributive case (when a noun is used [[attributive noun|attributively]]), which is unmarked in most nouns but takes the suffix ‑{{Lang|mn|н}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|n}}) when the stem has an unstable nasal.<ref>Sečenbaγatur (2003): 32–46.</ref> [[Noun]]s can also take a reflexive-possessive [[suffix]], indicating that the marked noun is possessed by the [[subject (grammar)|subject]] of the sentence: {{Transliteration|mn|bi naiz-aa avar-san}} I friend-{{smallcaps|reflexive-possessive}} save-{{smallcaps|perfect}} 'I saved my friend'.<ref>Tsedendamba and Möömöö (1997): 234–241.</ref> However, there are also somewhat noun-like [[adjective]]s to which case suffixes seemingly cannot be attached directly unless there is [[ellipsis (linguistics)|ellipsis]].<ref>For a pioneering approach to this problem, see Sajto (1999).</ref>

:{| class="wikitable"
|-
|+Mongolian noun cases<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.languagesgulper.com/eng/Mongolian.html|title=Mongolian|website=Languages Gulper|access-date=1 June 2019}}</ref>
|-
! Case !! Suffix !! English preposition 
!Example (Cyrillic)!! Transliteration !! Translation
|-
| [[nominative case|nominative]] || – || – 
|ном|| {{Transliteration|mn|nom}} || book
|-
| [[accusative case|accusative]] || <ul><li>‑{{Lang|mn|г}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|g}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|ыг}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|iig}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|ийг}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|iig}})</li></ul> || – 
| {{Lang|mn|номыг}} || {{Transliteration|mn|nomiig}} || the book (as object)
|-
| [[genitive case|genitive]] || <ul><li>‑{{Lang|mn|н}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|n}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|ы}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ii}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|ий}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ii}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|ын}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|iin}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|ийн}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|iin}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|гийн}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|giin}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|ны}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|nii}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|ний}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|nii}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|ины}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|inii}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|иний}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|inii}})</li></ul> || of 
| {{Lang|mn|номын}} || {{Transliteration|mn|nomiin}} || of (a) book; book's
|-
| [[dative case|dative]]-[[locative case|locative]]|| <ul><li>‑{{Lang|mn|д}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|d}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|т}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|t}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|ад}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ad}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|од}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|od}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|өд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|öd}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|эд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ed}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|ид}} (‑{{Transliteration|mn|id}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|нд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|nd}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|анд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|and}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|онд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ond}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|өнд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|önd}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|энд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|end}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|инд}} (‑{{Transliteration|mn|ind}})</li></ul> || on, to, at, in 
| {{Lang|mn|номд}} || {{Transliteration|mn|nomd|}} || in (a) book
|-
| [[ablative case|ablative]] || <ul><li>‑{{Lang|mn|аас}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|aas}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|оос}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|oos}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|өөс}} (‑{{Transliteration|mn|öös}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|ээс}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ees}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|иас}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ias}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|иос}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ios}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|иөс}} (‑{{Transliteration|mn|iös}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|иэс}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ies}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|наас}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|naas}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|ноос}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|noos}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|нөөс}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|nöös}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|нээс}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|nees}})</li></ul> || from 
| {{Lang|mn|номоос}} || {{Transliteration|mn|nomoos}} || from (a) book
|-
| [[instrumental case|instrumental]] || <ul><li>‑{{Lang|mn|аар}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|aar}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|оор}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|oor}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|өөр}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|öör}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|ээр}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|eer}})</li><li>‑{{Lang|mn|иар}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|iar}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|иор}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ior}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|иөр}} (‑{{Transliteration|mn|iör}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|иэр}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ier}})</li></ul> || with, using 
| {{Lang|mn|номоор}} || {{Transliteration|mn|nomoor}} || with (e.g. by means of a) book
|-
| [[comitative case|comitative]] || <ul><li>‑{{Lang|mn|тай}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|tai}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|той}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|toi}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|тэй}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|tei}})</li></ul> || together with 
| {{Lang|mn|номтой}} || {{Transliteration|mn|nomtoi}} || with (e.g. alongside a) book
|-
| [[abessive case|privative]] || <ul><li>‑{{Lang|mn|гүй}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|güi}})</li></ul> || without || {{Lang|mn|номгүй}} || {{Transliteration|mn|nomgüi}} || without (a) book
|-
| [[allative case|directive]] || <ul><li>{{Lang|mn|руу}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|ruu}}), {{Lang|mn|рүү}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|rüü}})</li><li>{{Lang|mn|луу}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|luu}}), {{Lang|mn|лүү}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|lüü}})</li></ul> || towards || {{Lang|mn|ном руу}} || {{Transliteration|mn|nom ruu}} || towards (a) book
|}

''The rules governing the morphology of Mongolian case endings are intricate, and so the rules given below are only indicative. In many situations, further (more general) rules must also be taken into account in order to produce the correct form: these include the presence of an unstable nasal or unstable velar, as well as the rules governing when a penultimate vowel should be deleted from the stem with certain case endings (e.g. ''{{Lang|mn|цэрэг}}''&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|tsereg}}) → ''{{Lang|mn|цэргийн}}''&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|tsergiin}})). The additional morphological rules specific to loanwords are not covered.''

==== Nominative case ====
The nominative case is used when a noun (or other part of speech acting as one) is the subject of the sentence, and the agent of whatever action (not just physically) takes place in the sentence. In Mongolian, the nominative case does not have an ending.

==== Accusative case ====
The accusative case is used when a noun acts as a direct object (or just "object"), and receives action from a transitive verb. It is formed by:
# ‑{{Lang|mn|г}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|g}}) after stems ending in long vowels or diphthongs, or when a stem ending in {{Lang|mn|н}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|n}}) has an unstable [[Velar consonant|velar]] (unstable g).
# ‑{{Lang|mn|ыг}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|iig}}) after back vowel stems ending in [[Palatalization (phonetics)|unpalatalized]] consonants (except {{Lang|mn|г}} and {{Lang|mn|к}}), short vowels (except {{Lang|mn|и}}) or [[Iotation|iotated]] vowels.
# ‑{{Lang|mn|ийг}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|iig}}) after front vowel stems ending in consonants, short vowels or iotated vowels; and after all stems ending in the [[Palatalization (phonetics)|palatalized]] consonants {{Lang|mn|ж}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|j}}), {{Lang|mn|ч}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|ch}}) and {{Lang|mn|ш}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|sh}}), as well as {{Lang|mn|г}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|g}}), {{Lang|mn|к}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|k}}), {{Lang|mn|и}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|i}}) or {{Lang|mn|ь}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|i}}).
:''Note: If the stem ends in a short vowel or ''{{Lang|mn|ь}}''&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|i}}), it is replaced by the suffix.''

==== Genitive case ====
The genitive case is used to show possession of something.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Gaunt, John.|title=Modern Mongolian : a course-book|date=2006|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0-7007-1305-0|pages=xxv (13 depending on ebook/physical book) / xxvi (14 depending on ebook/physical book)|oclc=615102455}}</ref>
*For regular stems, it is formed by:
*# ‑{{lang|mn|н}}&nbsp;(‑{{transliteration|mn|n}}) after stems ending in the diphthongs {{Lang|mn|ай}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|ai}}), {{Lang|mn|ой}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|oi}}), {{Lang|mn|эй}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|ei}}), {{Lang|mn|яй}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|yai}}), {{Lang|mn|ёй}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|yoi}}) or {{Lang|mn|ей}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|yei}}), or the long vowel {{Lang|mn|ий}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|ii}}).
*# ‑{{lang|mn|ы}}&nbsp;(‑{{transliteration|mn|ii}}) after back vowel stems ending in {{Lang|mn|н}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|n}}).
*# ‑{{lang|mn|ий}}&nbsp;(‑{{transliteration|mn|ii}}) after front vowel stems ending in {{Lang|mn|н}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|n}}).
*# ‑{{Lang|mn|ын}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|iin}}) after back vowel stems ending in [[Palatalization (phonetics)|unpalatalized]] consonants (except {{Lang|mn|н}}, {{Lang|mn|г}} and {{Lang|mn|к}}), short vowels (except {{Lang|mn|и}}) or [[Iotation|iotated]] vowels.
*# ‑{{Lang|mn|ийн}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|iin}}) after front vowel stems ending in consonants (other than {{Lang|mn|н}}), short vowels or iotated vowels; and after all stems ending in the [[Palatalization (phonetics)|palatalized]] consonants {{Lang|mn|ж}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|j}}), {{Lang|mn|ч}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|ch}}) and {{Lang|mn|ш}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|sh}}), as well as {{Lang|mn|г}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|g}}), {{Lang|mn|к}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|k}}), {{Lang|mn|и}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|i}}) or {{Lang|mn|ь}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|i}}).
*# ‑{{lang|mn|гийн}}&nbsp;(‑{{transliteration|mn|giin}}) after stems ending in a long vowel (other than {{Lang|mn|ий}}), or after the diphthongs {{Lang|mn|иа}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|ia}}), {{Lang|mn|ио}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|io}}) or {{Lang|mn|иу}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|iu}}).
*:''Note: If the stem ends in a short vowel or ''{{Lang|mn|ь}}''&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|i}}), it is replaced by the suffix.''
*For stems with an unstable nasal (unstable n), it is formed by:
*# ‑{{lang|mn|ны}}&nbsp;(‑{{transliteration|mn|nii}}) after back vowel stems (other than those ending in {{Lang|mn|и}} or {{Lang|mn|ь}}).
*# ‑{{lang|mn|ний}}&nbsp;(‑{{transliteration|mn|nii}}) after front vowel stems (other than those ending in {{Lang|mn|и}} or {{Lang|mn|ь}}).
*# ‑{{lang|mn|ины}}&nbsp;(‑{{transliteration|mn|inii}}) after back vowel stems ending in {{Lang|mn|и}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|i}}) or {{Lang|mn|ь}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|i}}).
*# ‑{{lang|mn|иний}}&nbsp;(‑{{transliteration|mn|inii}}) after front vowel stems ending in {{Lang|mn|и}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|i}}) or {{Lang|mn|ь}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|i}}).
*:''Note: If the stem ends in ''{{Lang|mn|и}}''&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|i}}) or ''{{Lang|mn|ь}}''&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|i}}), it is replaced by the suffix.''
*For stems with an unstable velar (unstable g), it is formed by ‑{{lang|mn|гийн}}&nbsp;(‑{{transliteration|mn|giin}}).

==== Dative-locative case ====
The dative-locative case is used to show the location of something, or to specify that something is in something else.<ref name="Gaunt, John. 2006"/>
*For regular stems or those with an unstable velar (unstable g), it is formed by:
*# ‑{{Lang|mn|д}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|d}}) after stems ending in vowels or the vocalized consonants {{Lang|mn|л}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|l}}), {{Lang|mn|м}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|m}}) and {{Lang|mn|н}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|n}}), and a small number of stems ending in {{Lang|mn|в}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|v}}) and {{Lang|mn|р}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|r}}).
*# ‑{{Lang|mn|т}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|t}}) after stems ending in {{Lang|mn|г}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|g}}) and {{Lang|mn|к}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|k}}), most stems ending in {{Lang|mn|в}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|v}}) and {{Lang|mn|р}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|r}}), and stems ending in {{Lang|mn|с}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|s}}) when it is preceded by a vowel.
*# ‑{{Lang|mn|ид}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|id}}) after stems ending in the [[Palatalization (phonetics)|palatalized]] consonants {{Lang|mn|ж}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|j}}), {{Lang|mn|ч}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|ch}}) and {{Lang|mn|ш}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|sh}}).
*# ‑{{Lang|mn|ад}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ad}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|од}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|od}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|өд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|öd}}) or ‑{{Lang|mn|эд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ed}}) after all other stems (depending on the vowel harmony of the stem).
*For stems with an unstable nasal (unstable n), it is formed by:
*# ‑{{Lang|mn|нд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|nd}}) after stems ending in vowels.
*# ‑{{Lang|mn|инд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ind}}) after stems ending in the [[Palatalization (phonetics)|palatalized]] consonants {{Lang|mn|ж}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|j}}), {{Lang|mn|ч}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|ch}}) and {{Lang|mn|ш}}&nbsp;({{Transliteration|mn|sh}}).
*# ‑{{Lang|mn|анд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|and}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|онд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|ond}}), ‑{{Lang|mn|өнд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|önd}}) or ‑{{Lang|mn|энд}}&nbsp;(‑{{Transliteration|mn|end}}) after all other stems (depending on the vowel harmony of the stem).

==== Plurals ====
Source:<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://sites.google.com/site/linguistics35/home/mongolian-grammar#TOC-Plural|title=Mongolian Grammar - Linguistics 35|website=sites.google.com|access-date=2020-02-11}}</ref>

[[Plural]]ity may be left unmarked, but there are overt plurality markers, some of which are restricted to humans. A noun that is modified by a numeral usually does not take any plural affix.<ref>Tsedendamba and Möömöö (1997): 210–219, Sečenbaγatur (2003): 23–29.</ref> There are four ways of forming plurals in Mongolian:

# Some plurals are formed by adding -{{lang|mn|нууд}} ''-nuud'' or -{{lang|mn|нүүд}} ''-nüüd''. If the last vowel of the previous word is a (a), o (y), or ɔ (o), then -{{lang|mn|нууд}} is used; e.g. {{lang|mn|харx}} ''kharkh'' 'rat' becomes {{lang|mn|xapхнууд}} ''kharkhnuud'' 'rats'. If the last vowel of the previous word is e (э), ʊ (ө), ü (ү), or i (и) then {{lang|mn|нүүд}} is used; e.g. {{lang|mn|нүд}} ''nüd'' 'eye' becomes {{lang|mn|нүднүүд}} ''nüdnüüd'' 'eyes'.
# In other plurals, just -{{lang|mn|ууд}} ''-uud'' or -{{lang|mn|үүд}} ''-üüd'' is added without the "n"; e.g. {{lang|mn|хот}} ''khot'' 'city' becomes {{lang|mn|хотууд}} ''khotuud'' 'cities', and {{lang|mn|ээж}} ''eej'' 'mother' becomes {{lang|mn|ээжүүд}} ''eejüüd'' 'mothers'.
# Another way of forming plurals is by adding -{{lang|mn|нар}} ''-nar''; e.g. {{lang|mn|багш}} ''bagsh'' 'teacher' becomes {{lang|mn|багш нар}} ''bagsh nar'' 'teachers'. 
# The final way is an irregular form used: {{lang|mn|хүн}} ''khün'' 'person' becomes {{lang|mn|хүмүүс}} ''khümüüs'' 'people'.

=== Pronouns ===
[[Personal pronoun]]s exist for the first and second person, while the old [[demonstrative pronoun]]s have come to form third person (proximal and distal) pronouns. Other word (sub-)classes include [[interrogative pronoun]]s, [[grammatical conjunction|conjunctions]] (which take participles), spatials, and [[grammatical particle|particles]], the last being rather numerous.<ref>This is a simplified treatment of word classes. For a more precise treatment within the descriptive framework common in Inner Mongolia, see Sečenbaγatur (2003).</ref>

{| class="wikitable"
|+ Personal Pronouns<ref>{{cite web|url=http://learn101.org/mongolian_grammar.php|title= Mongolian Grammar|website=Learn101.org|access-date=1 June 2019}}</ref>
|-
! colspan="3" | 
! Nominative<br>{{small|(subject)}}
! Accusative<br>{{small|(object)}}
! Genitive<br>{{small|(possession)}}
! Oblique stem<br>{{small|(all other cases)}}
|-
! rowspan="3" | 1st person
! colspan="2" | singular
| {{fs interlinear|би|bi|}}
| {{fs interlinear|намайг|namaig|}}
| {{fs interlinear|миний|minii|}}
| {{fs interlinear|над-|nad-|}}
|-
! rowspan="2" | plural
! exclusive
| rowspan="2" | {{fs interlinear|бид|bid|}}
| rowspan="2" | {{fs interlinear|биднийг|bidniig|}}
| {{fs interlinear|бидний|bidnii|}}
| {{fs interlinear|бидн-|bidn-|}}
|-
! inclusive
| {{fs interlinear|манай|manai|}}
| {{fs interlinear|ман-|man-|}}
|-
! rowspan="3" | 2nd person
! rowspan="2" | singular
! familiar
| {{fs interlinear|чи|chi|}}
| {{fs interlinear|чамайг|chamaig|}}
| {{fs interlinear|чиний|chinii|}}
| {{fs interlinear|чам-|cham-|}}
|-
! polite
| {{fs interlinear|та|ta|}}
| {{fs interlinear|таныг|taniig|}}
| {{fs interlinear|таны|tanii|}}
|
|-
! colspan="2" | plural
| {{fs interlinear|та нар|ta nar|}}
| –
| {{fs interlinear|танай/та нарын|tanai/ta nariin|}}
| {{fs interlinear|тан-|tan-|}}
|-
! rowspan="2" | 3rd person
! colspan="2" | singular
| {{fs interlinear|тэр|ter|}}
| {{fs interlinear|түүнийг|tüüniig|}}
| {{fs interlinear|түүний|tüünii|}}
| –
|-
! colspan="2" | plural
| {{fs interlinear|тэд нар|ted nar|}}
| {{fs interlinear|тэднийг|tedniig|}}
| {{fs interlinear|тэд нарын|ted nariin|}}
| –
|}

=== Negation ===
[[negation (linguistics)|Negation]] is mostly expressed by ''-güi'' (-{{lang|mn|гүй}}) after participles and by the negation particle ''bish'' ({{lang|mn|биш}}) after nouns and adjectives; negation particles preceding the verb (for example in converbal constructions) exist, but tend to be replaced by analytical constructions.<ref>For the historic background of negation, see Yu (1991). For a phenomenology, see Bjambasan (2001).</ref>

=== Numbers ===
{| class="wikitable"
|+ Pronunciation and writing of numbers in text
|-
! N !! Text in Mongolian !! N !! Text in Mongolian!! N !! Text in Mongolian
|-
| 0 || {{lang|mn|тэг}} ''teg'' || 10 || {{lang|mn|арав}} ''arav'' || 20 || {{lang|mn|хорь}}, ''khori''
|-
| 1 || {{lang|mn|нэг}} ''neg'' || 11 || {{lang|mn|арван нэг}} ''arvan neg'' || 30 || {{lang|mn|гуч}} ''guch''
|-
| 2 || {{lang|mn|хоёр}} ''khoyor'' || 12 || {{lang|mn|арван хоёр}} ''arvan khoyor'' || 40 || {{lang|mn|дөч}} ''döch''
|-
| 3 || {{lang|mn|гурав}} ''gurav'' || 13 || {{lang|mn|арван гурав}} ''arvan gurav'' || 50 || {{lang|mn|тавь}} ''tavi''
|-
| 4 || {{lang|mn|дөрөв}} ''döröv'' || 14 || {{lang|mn|арван дөрөв}} ''arvan döröv'' || 60 || {{lang|mn|жар}} ''jar''
|-
| 5 || {{lang|mn|тав}} ''tav'' || 15 || {{lang|mn|арван тав}} ''arvan tav'' || 70 || {{lang|mn|дал}} ''dal''
|-
| 6 || {{lang|mn|зургаа}} ''zurgaa'' || 16 || {{lang|mn|арван зургаа}} ''arvan zurgaa'' || 80 || {{lang|mn|ная}} ''naya''
|-
| 7 || {{lang|mn|долоо}} ''doloo'' || 17 || {{lang|mn|арван долоо}} ''arvan doloo'' || 90 || {{lang|mn|ер}} ''yer''
|-
| 8 || {{lang|mn|найм}} ''naim'' || 18 || {{lang|mn|арван найм}} ''arvan naim'' || 100 || {{lang|mn|нэг зуу}} ''neg zuu''
|-
| 9 || {{lang|mn|ес}} ''yös'' || 19 || {{lang|mn|арван ес}} ''arvan yös'' || 200 || {{lang|mn|хоёр зуу}} ''khoyor zuu''
|}

=== Forming questions ===
When asking questions in Mongolian, a question marker is used to show a question is being asked. There are different question markers for yes/no questions and for information questions. For yes/no questions, {{lang|mn|уу}} and {{lang|mn|үү}} are used when the last word ends in a short vowel or a consonant, and their use depends on the vowel harmony of the previous word. When the last word ends in a long vowel or a diphthong, then {{lang|mn|юу}} and {{lang|mn|юү}} are used (again depending on vowel harmony). For information questions (questions asking for information with an interrogative word like who, what, when, where, why, etc.), the question particles are {{lang|mn|вэ}} and {{lang|mn|бэ}}, depending on the last sound in the previous word.

# Yes/No Question Particles -{{lang|mn|уу/үү/юу/юү}} ({{transliteration|mn|uu/üü/yuu/yuü}})
# Open Ended Question Particles -{{lang|mn|бэ/вэ}} ({{transliteration|mn|be/ve}})

'''Basic interrogative pronouns''' -{{lang|mn|юу}} ({{transliteration|mn|yuu}} 'what'), -{{lang|mn|хаана}} ({{transliteration|mn|khaana}} 'where'), {{lang|mn|хэн}} ({{transliteration|mn|hen}} 'who'), {{lang|mn|яагаад}} ({{transliteration|mn|yaagaad}} 'why'), {{lang|mn|яаж}} ({{transliteration|mn|yaaj}} 'how'), {{lang|mn|хэзээ}} ({{transliteration|mn|khezee}} 'when'), {{lang|mn|ямар}} ({{transliteration|mn|yamar}} 'what kind')

=== Verbs ===
In Mongolian, verbs have a stem and an ending. For example, the stems {{lang|mn|бай-}} {{transliteration|mn|bai-}}, {{lang|mn|сур-}} {{transliteration|mn|sur-}}, and {{lang|mn|үзэ-}} {{transliteration|mn|üze-}} are suffixed with {{lang|mn|-х}} {{transliteration|mn|-kh}}, {{lang|mn|-ах}} {{transliteration|mn|-akh}}, and {{lang|mn|-х}} {{transliteration|mn|-kh}} respectively: {{lang|mn|байx}} {{transliteration|mn|baikh}}, {{lang|mn|сурax}} {{transliteration|mn|surakh}}, and {{lang|mn|үзэx}} {{transliteration|mn|üzekh}}. These are the infinitive or dictionary forms.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book|last1=Gaunt|first1=John|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nYCVMYOAMKEC|title=Modern Mongolian: A Course-book|last2=Bayarmandakh|first2=L.|last3=Chuluunbaatar|first3=L.|date=2004|publisher=Psychology Press|isbn=978-0-7007-1305-9|pages=xv/13 (depending on ebook or physical / xvi/14|language=en}}</ref> The present/future tense is formed by adding {{lang|mn|-на}} {{transliteration|mn|-na}}, {{lang|mn|-но}} {{transliteration|mn|-no}}, {{lang|mn|-нэ}} {{transliteration|mn|-ne}}, or {{lang|mn|-нө}} {{transliteration|mn|-nö}} to the stem, for example {{lang|mn|сурна}} {{transliteration|mn|surna}} 'I/you/he/she/we/they (will) study'. {{lang|mn|байна}} {{transliteration|mn|baina}} is the present/future tense verb for 'to be'; likewise, {{lang|mn|уншина}} {{transliteration|mn|unshina}} is 'to read', and {{lang|mn|үзнэ}} {{transliteration|mn|üzne}} is 'to see'. The final vowel is barely pronounced and is not pronounced at all if the word after begins with a vowel, so {{lang|mn|сайн байна уу}} {{transliteration|mn|sain bain uu}} is pronounced {{IPA|[sæe̯m‿pæe̯n‿ʊː]}} 'hello, how are you?'.<ref name=":0" />

# Past Tense {{lang|mn|-сан/-сон/-сэн/-сөн}} ({{transliteration|mn|-san/-son/-sen/-sön}})
# Informed Past Tense (any point in past) {{lang|mn|-в}} ({{transliteration|mn|-v}})
# Informed Past Tense (not long ago) {{lang|mn|-лаа/-лоо/-лээ/-лөө}} ({{transliteration|mn|-laa/-loo/-lee/-löö}})
# Non-Informed Past Tense (generally a slightly to relatively more distant past) {{lang|mn|-жээ/-чээ}} ({{transliteration|mn|-jee/-chee}})
# Present Perfect Tense {{lang|mn|-даг/-дог/-дэг/-дөг}} ({{transliteration|mn|-dag/-dog/-deg/-dög}})
# Present Progressive Tense {{lang|mn|-ж/-ч байна}} ({{transliteration|mn|-j/-ch baina}})
# (Reflective) Present Progressive Tense {{lang|mn|-аа/-оо/-ээ/-өө}} ({{transliteration|mn|-aa/-oo/-ee/-öö}})
# Simple Present Tense {{lang|mn|-на/-но/-нэ/-нө}} ({{transliteration|mn|-na/-no/-ne/-nö}})
# Simple Future {{lang|mn|-х (болно)}} ({{transliteration|mn|-h (bolno)}})
# Infinitive {{lang|mn|-х}} ({{transliteration|mn|-h}})

=== Negation ===
There are several ways to form negatives in Mongolian.<ref name="Gaunt, John. 2006">{{Cite book|last=Gaunt, John.|title=Modern Mongolian : a course-book|date=2006|publisher=Routledge|isbn=0-7007-1305-0|oclc=615102455}}</ref> For example:

# {{lang|mn|биш}} ({{transliteration|mn|bish}}) – the negative form of the verb 'to be' ({{lang|mn|байх}} {{transliteration|mn|baikh}}) – {{lang|mn|биш}} means 'is/are not'.
# -{{lang|mn|гүй}} ({{transliteration|mn|güi}}). This suffix is added to verbs, so {{lang|mn|явах}} ({{transliteration|mn|yavakh}} 'go/will go') becomes {{lang|mn|явахгүй}} ({{transliteration|mn|yavakhgüi}} 'do not go/will not go').
# {{lang|mn|үгүй}} ({{transliteration|mn|ügüi}}) is the word for 'no'.
# {{lang|mn|битгий}} ({{transliteration|mn|bitgii}}) is used for negative imperatives; e.g. {{lang|mn|битгий яваарай}} ({{transliteration|mn|bitgii yavaarai}} 'don't go')
# {{lang|mn|бүү}} ({{transliteration|mn|büü}}) is the formal version of {{lang|mn|битгий}}.