Grade 6 Primary English Proverbs And Idioms – Meaninng Of Proverbs Notes
PE
Primary English — Proverbs and Idioms
Subtopic: Meaning of Proverbs (age 11, Kenya)
What is a proverb? (short and clear)
A proverb is a short sentence that gives a rule, advice or a general truth. Grammatically, proverbs are made like normal sentences, but they often use simple present tense (for truths), commands (imperative), or short patterns that are easy to remember.
Remember ✅
- Most proverbs use the simple present tense (shows general truth).
- Some proverbs are imperatives (commands): start with a verb.
- Proverbs are often short and use clear grammar to be easy to say and remember.
Common grammar patterns in proverbs (with examples)
1) Simple present — general truth
Structure: Subject + simple present verb.
Examples:
- "Many hands make light work." → Subject: many hands; Verb: make (present)
- "A rolling stone gathers no moss." → rolling stone (subject) + gathers (present)
2) Imperative (command/advice)
Structure: (You) + verb (base form). The subject "you" is often left out.
Examples:
- "Look before you leap." → Imperative: Look (you)
- "Don't count your chickens before they hatch." → Imperative + negative: Don't (do not)
3) Conditional and comparison patterns
Structure: If + clause, or As ... so ... (showing result or comparison)
Examples:
- "If you want a thing done well, do it yourself." → Conditional (If ... )
- "As you sow, so shall you reap." → Comparison/parallel clauses
Other grammatical features to notice
- Short sentences — proverbs are brief: easier to learn and repeat.
- Repetition and parallelism — makes the proverb memorable ("slow and steady").
- Negative forms — sometimes use don't / no / never: "Don't cry over spilt milk."
- Pronouns and clauses — some proverbs use relative clauses: "He who hesitates is lost." (subject + relative clause + verb)
- Figurative meaning — grammar helps you find meaning: identify tense and sentence type first, then think of the idea it gives.
Kenyan / African proverb examples in English (with grammar notes)
- "If you want to go quickly, go alone; if you want to go far, go together."
Grammar: two conditional clauses and parallel structure. Both use simple present to show general advice.
- "Many hands make light work."
Grammar: plural noun phrase subject + simple present verb = general truth.
Quick activity — find the grammar
- "A stitch in time saves nine." — Which tense is used?
- "Don't judge a book by its cover." — What is the sentence type?
- "He who hesitates is lost." — What is the subject and verb?
Answers
- Simple present tense (saves) — shows a general truth.
- Imperative (Don't judge) — a command/advice with negative.
- Subject: "He who hesitates" (a relative clause acting as subject). Verb: "is" (simple present).
How to work out the meaning (use grammar!)
- Find the sentence type: is it a statement, command, or conditional?
- Look at tense: present often means general truth or advice.
- Note special words (if, don't, as, so) and repeated structures to see comparison or cause.
Good work! Use these grammar clues to read proverbs in class and around Kenya — they help you understand the advice behind the short sentences. 📘✍️