Breakdown of De zool, die helemaal versleten is, moet worden vervangen.
zijn
to be
moeten
to have to, must
helemaal
completely
worden
to become
die
who / that (relative pronoun)
vervangen
to replace
de zool
the sole
versleten
worn out
Questions & Answers about De zool, die helemaal versleten is, moet worden vervangen.
Why are there commas around die helemaal versleten is?
This is a non-restrictive relative clause. The commas indicate that the clause simply adds extra, non-essential information about de zool. If we removed the commas, it would become a restrictive clause, which would imply there are multiple soles and we are distinguishing this specific worn-out one from the others.
Why do we use die as the relative pronoun here instead of dat?
The relative pronoun refers back to de zool. Because zool is a noun that takes the definite article de, we must use die. If the noun had been a het word, you would use dat instead.
Could I also write moet vervangen worden at the end of the sentence?
Yes, both moet worden vervangen and moet vervangen worden are perfectly correct. In a passive infinitive construction like this, the order of the auxiliary verb worden and the past participle vervangen is flexible at the end of the clause.
Does versleten only apply to physical objects, or can it be used for people too?
Just like the English phrase worn out, versleten is literally used for objects that have deteriorated through use, like shoes or tires. However, you can also use it figuratively in daily conversation to describe a person who is completely exhausted.
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