Verb Suffix: -moH (Cause)

Add -moH to a verb means the subject is directly causing an action or bringing about a particular condition or result.

• tIjwI'ghom vIchenmoH - "I form a boarding party"
  (tIjwI'ghom - boarding party, chen - take shape, form)

Another way to translate the example above, though less naturally, would be "I cause a boarding party to form."

• HIQoymoH - "Let me hear (something)"
  (Qoy - hear)

A more direct translation of this would be "Cause me to hear (something)." Note, however, that this isn't a polite request - it's an explicit instruction.

Usually, translating verbs containing -moH directly with the English word "cause" creates unnatural phrasing. For instance, chenmoH is naturally translated as "he/she makes" or "creates," rather than the more awkward "he/she causes something to take shape."

Complex Constructions with -moH

More complex sentences involving both direct and indirect objects are also possible with -moH. The structure used is typically:

Y-vaD Z VERB-moH X

In this pattern, the subject (X) causes the indirect object (Y) to carry out the action described by the verb on the direct object (Z). Examples include:

• HoDvaD la' HIvmoH Sogh - "The lieutenant makes the captain attack the commander."

• targhvaD verengan SopmoH tlhIngan - "The Klingon makes the targh eat the Ferengi."

• jIHvaD HoD vIqIpmoH - I cause myself to hit the captain

• maHvaD SuvwI' wImojmoH - We cause each other to become warriors

• tlhIHvaD tlhIH SuvmoH HoD - the captain causes you all to fight you all