When a verbal noun takes an object, that object goes into the genitive case: ag cosaint na timpeallachta, ag laghdú na n-astaíochtaí, ag úsáid an fhuinnimh. The article changes with it - a feminine noun takes na in the genitive singular, a masculine one keeps an and lenites, and the genitive plural na puts n- before a vowel. This is the single most audible marker of controlled written Irish.
Examples
- Táimid ag cosaint na timpeallachta don chéad ghlúin eile.
- We are protecting the environment for the next generation.
- Tá an tír ag laghdú na n-astaíochtaí gach bliain.
- The country is reducing emissions every year.
- Bhí siad ag úsáid an fhuinnimh go cúramach.
- They were using the energy carefully.
The mistake to avoid
Leaving the object in the nominative after ag: "ag cosaint an timpeallacht" is the commonest giveaway of a learner in written Irish.
Where this fits in
An Timpeallacht agus an Aeráid, Irish Gaelic B2: Discuss climate change, energy and waste, and argue about who is responsible for doing something about it.