Die argitek pas die bouplan aan en maak dit sodoende duidelik.

The architect revises the building plan and thereby makes it clear.

Breakdown of Die argitek pas die bouplan aan en maak dit sodoende duidelik.

• en: and
• dit: it
• maak: to make
• duidelik: clear

Questions & Answers about Die argitek pas die bouplan aan en maak dit sodoende duidelik.

Why is pas ... aan split up in this sentence?

Because the full verb is aanpas, a separable verb meaning to adapt / adjust / modify.

In a main clause in Afrikaans, the finite verb usually comes in the second position, and the separable part moves to the end:

• Die argitek pas die bouplan aan.

But when the verb is not split, it stays together:

• infinitive: om die bouplan aan te pas
• subordinate clause: omdat die argitek die bouplan aanpas

So pas ... aan is the normal main-clause form of aanpas.

Does pas by itself mean the same thing as pas ... aan?

Not always. Pas on its own can have other meanings, such as fit, suit, or match, depending on context.

But aanpas specifically means to adapt, adjust, or modify.

So in this sentence:

• pas ... aan = modifies / adjusts

That is different from just using pas by itself.

Why is die used twice: Die argitek and die bouplan?