Ap. Pap.
Word order
Ap + Verb…
Ap + Adjective…
Ap + Preposition…
When do you use this type of sentence?
Actions that will definitely happen
Event that will happen in the near future
Immediate or Definite Future Tense
Explanation
How do you tell someone that something or an event will definitely happen in the future? Or that you have no doubt it will happen? In English, we use words like ‘will’ and ‘definitely. For example, ‘John will eat it’ and ‘they will definitely win’. This is called the Immediate or Definite Future Tense. In Haitian Creole, we use one word to show someone that an event will definitely happen: ap. Remember that ‘ap’ does not necessarily always translate to ‘will’. We need to memorize when to use it correctly.
We also use ‘ap’ to talk about events or actions that will happen in the near or immediate future. There is no word in English that translates this way. We just know that depending on the context or the conversation, the idea will take place in the near or immediate future.
* Haitians may also use ‘ape’ or ‘pe’ instead of ‘ap’
Important rules when using 'ap'
For events that are not going to happen in the immediate / definite future, use pap
M pap manje diri kounye a.
I will not eat rice now.
Haitians may use the short form of Pronouns before using ‘ap’. Below are the ways they are used:
M ap
Mwen ap
W ap
Ou ap
L ap
Li ap
N ap
Nou ap
Y ap
Yo ap
Haitians also use ‘ap’ to talk about actions are happening right now or events that are ongoing.
Sample Sentences
Mari ap achte yon kado.
Marie will buy a small gift.
Nou ap manje diri.
We will definitely eat rice.
Papa m ap gen de machin.
My father will have have two cars.
L ap sou tab la.
It’ll be on the table.
L ap anreta.
He’ll be late.
Jan ap malad.
John will get sick.
Chen an pap mode w.
The dog will not bite you..
Li pap fè l.
It won’t do it.
Yo pap janm genyen.
They won’t ever win.