As if: alsof
Use the conjunction alsof (as if) to describe hypothetical situations. Because alsof is a subordinating conjunction, it pushes the conjugated verb to the end of the clause.
| It seems as if this simulation is the reality. | Het lijkt alsof deze simulatie de werkelijkheid is. |
| It feels as if I do not live in reality. | Het voelt alsof ik niet in de werkelijkheid leef. |
| The opponent talks as if he is real. | De tegenstander praat alsof hij echt is. |
Alsof with complex verbs
With a separable verb (like rondlopen), the prefix remains attached to the verb at the end of the clause and is written as a single word.
| It is as if we are walking around in another city. | Het is alsof we in een andere stad rondlopen. |
In the perfect tense, both the auxiliary verb and the past participle are sent to the end of the clause.
| You play as if you have already defeated the opponent. | Je speelt alsof je de tegenstander al hebt verslagen. |
Gaming and virtual reality
Use these structures to describe immersive experiences, like controlling a character or exploring a virtual world:
| It is unreal, as if I am controlling the character. | Het is onwerkelijk, alsof ik het personage bestuur. |
| In this game you must control a new character. | In dit spel moet je een nieuw personage besturen. |
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