Tip of the Week 17

What's the difference between 'bithidh' , 'bidh' and 'bi' (all the future tense of 'tha')?
 
'Bidh' is used for plain, straightforward statements.
 
Bidh e aig an taigh a-màireach.
He'll be at home tomorrow.
 
'Bi' is what is called the 'dependent' form of the verb, and is used with the question /negative form of the verb.
 
Am bi e aig an taigh a-màireach?
Will he be at home tomorrow?
 
Nach bi e aig an taigh a-màireach?
Will he not be at home tomorrow? /Won't he be etc.
 
Cha bhi e aig an taigh a-màireach.
He will not be at home tomorrow. /He won't be etc.
 
'Bithidh' is the stressed form of the future tense, and is pronounced as two syllables [bi-i]. This is used to answer a question in the affirmative.
 
Am bi e aig an taigh a-màireach? Bithidh.
Will he be at home tomorrow? Yes.
 
However, not everyone makes the distinction between 'bidh' and 'bithidh' in writing, though it will be clear enough in pronunciation.
 
Mar sin leibh
Cailean
Am Marcair Dubh
Is i a' Ghàidhlig Cànan mo Dhùthcha.