Breakdown of Ich versuche, meine schlechte Gewohnheit zu ändern.
ich
I
schlecht
bad
mein
my
versuchen
to try
zu
to (infinitive marker)
die Gewohnheit
the habit
ändern
to change (modify, alter)
Questions & Answers about Ich versuche, meine schlechte Gewohnheit zu ändern.
Why does "zu ändern" go at the very end of the sentence?
In German, when you build an infinitive clause with "zu" (which is very common after verbs like "versuchen"), the "zu" and the infinitive verb always go at the very end of that clause. Any extra information, like the direct object "meine schlechte Gewohnheit", gets sandwiched between the comma and the "zu"-infinitive.
Is the comma after "versuche" required?
Yes, usually! When a "zu" infinitive clause contains extra words or objects (like "meine schlechte Gewohnheit"), German rules say you must separate the main clause ("Ich versuche") from the infinitive clause with a comma. If it were just two verbs like "Ich versuche zu schlafen" (I try to sleep), the comma is optional, but it's always safer to include it.
Why is the adjective ending on "schlecht" just "-e" instead of "-en"?
The phrase "meine schlechte Gewohnheit" is the direct object of the verb "ändern", so it is in the accusative case. "Gewohnheit" is a feminine noun. After a possessive word like "meine", the adjective ending for feminine singular (in both nominative and accusative cases) is simply "-e".
Could I use "wechseln" instead of "ändern" to mean "to change" here?
Not in this context! "Ändern" means to alter or modify something, like a habit, a plan, or an opinion. "Wechseln" means to switch or exchange one thing for another physical thing, like exchanging money ("Geld wechseln") or changing a tire. Since you are modifying your behavior, "ändern" is the right verb.
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