Als
Basic usage
subordinating - when, if
Usage patterns
introduce a conditional or temporal clause
Main clause, subordinating clause (subordinate sentence) - In this example, 'Als het regent' is the subordinate clause and affects the main clause 'blijf ik binnen'.
expressing conditions or situations
Subordinate clause comes first or second - The order can change, but the meaning stays the same. The subordinate clause can also start the sentence.
Word order
Subordinate clause first
In this case, the subordinate clause 'Als hij komt' comes first, followed by the main clause.
Subordinate clause second
Here, the main clause 'We beginnen' comes first, and the subordinate clause follows.
Common combinations
als + present tense
This combination is used to talk about future possibilities or habitual actions.
als + past tense
Used for hypothetical situations in the past.
Important notes
- usage:'Als' is used for both conditions and time.
- syntax:The verb in the subordinate clause goes to the end.
- register:'Als' is common in both spoken and written Dutch.
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