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NG vs NANG

       The proper usage of “ng” and “nang” sparks confusion in many writers, and even teachers themselves. On a side note, I find it really interesting why this is still recognized and analyzed by linguists as a feature of Filipino, even if it is only an orthographic distinction with almost no semantic effect otherwise (because context helps a lot), and despite the fact that the difference it is no longer widely observed even by the native speakers of the language. However, it is still important to exercise caution in choosing the correct words in the classroom setting and in academic writing, especially if one intends to be a language specialist. The following parameters are a convergence of the rules in Gabay sa Editing sa Wikang Filipino (2005), KWF Manwal sa Masinop na Pagsulat (2014), and WIKApedia (2010) for a more comprehensive guide.

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NG

1. As a preposition pointing towards an

object which is a noun, or even an adjective

that stands for an unpronounced noun.

Iniwan ka na ng eroplano.

(The airplane has now left you.)

Pinaiyak ka ng manghuhula.

(The fortune teller made you cry.)

Kumain ka ng maramin̶g̶ ̶p̶a̶g̶k̶a̶i̶n̶.

(Eat a lot o̶f̶ ̶f̶o̶o̶d̶.)

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2. For telling time, because it is not a modifier.

If that seems strange, try thinking about the

English “at” as the equivalent.

G ka búkas ng 7:30 pm?

(Are you ready tomorrow at 7:30 pm?)

Umuwi siya kahapon ng mga alas-seis.

(She went home yesterday at about six.)

NANG

1. As a particle that is part of an adverb, or phrase that describes the verb.

Kumain ka naman nang dahan-dahan. 

(You should eat slowly.)

Mahalin mo na lang ako nang sobra-sobra.

(Just love me a lot.)

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2. When you put together "na" (ligature) and "na" (adverb). This is common for expressions which compare the current situation, that has changed, with that of the past.

Ayoko nang magmahal, Guiseppe!

(I don't want to love anynore, Guiseppe!)

Ang dami nang tao sa mall tuwing Miyerkoles, no?

(There are a lot of people at the mall on Wednesdays now, huh?)

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3. Alternative for "noong"

Nang makita kitá, alam ko nang nainlab ako.

=

Noong makita kitá, alam ko nang nainlab ako.

(When I saw you, I knew I was in love.)

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4. Alternative for "para" or "upang"

'Wag kang mag-computer magdamag nang bumabà ang bill sa koryente.

=

'Wag kang mag-computer magdamag para bumabà ang bill sa koryente.

=

'Wag kang mag-computer magdamag upang bumabà ang bill sa koryente.

(Don't use the computer for prolonged hours so our electric bill could get cheaper.)

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5. For repeated verbs or actions

Tawa nang tawa, gusto nang mag-asawa.

(People who laugh a lot wanna get married.)

Iyak siya nang iyak, kagabi, Maricris!

(Maricis, he was crying a lot last night!)

Aral ka kasi nang aral, charot, okey lang 'yan.

(You study too much, nah I'm kidding, that's fine.)

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6. As a preposition for words pertaining to time periods

Namunò nang 21 taon ang diktador na si Marcos.

(The dictator Marcos held office for 21 years.)

Nagdramá siya nang 30 minuto.

(He felt sentimental for 30 minutes.)

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