The Verb Bracket
When you use a modal verb (like willen, kunnen, moeten, or mogen) together with a main verb, the sentence splits the verbs up.
The conjugated modal verb takes the second position in the sentence. The main verb goes to the very end of the sentence in its full infinitive form. This creates a "bracket" around the rest of the information in the sentence.
| I want to write that letter today. | Ik wil die brief vandaag schrijven. |
Introducing "Zullen"
The verb zullen means "shall" or "will". You can use it to talk about future plans or to make suggestions. Its singular forms are irregular (ik zal, jij zal/zult, hij zal). Just like other modal verbs, it creates a verb bracket.
| shall / will | zullen |
| He will write the message this afternoon. | Hij zal het bericht vanmiddag schrijven. |
Filling the Bracket
The space between your modal verb and your main verb can hold a lot of information. Time phrases (like vanmiddag or om drie uur) and objects (like het pakket or die oefening) all sit inside the verb bracket.
| You can receive the package at three o'clock. | U kunt het pakket om drie uur ontvangen. |
| You must do that exercise at half past three. | Jullie moeten die oefening om half vier doen. |
When you make a sentence negative, niet (not) also goes inside the bracket, usually placed right before the main verb at the end.
| The girl does not want to do the exercise. | Het meisje wil de oefening niet doen. |
The Verb Bracket in Questions
In yes/no questions, the conjugated modal verb moves to the very front of the sentence. The main verb does not move—it stays firmly anchored at the end of the sentence.
| Shall we send the letter tomorrow? | Zullen we de brief morgen sturen? |
| May I use the phone here? | Mag ik de telefoon hier gebruiken? |