Ik zal de schuur direct na mijn werk schoonmaken.

I will clean the shed directly after my work.

Breakdown of Ik zal de schuur direct na mijn werk schoonmaken.

• ik: I
• mijn: my
• het werk: the work
• na: after
• zullen: will
• schoonmaken: to clean
• de schuur: the shed
• direct: directly

Questions & Answers about Ik zal de schuur direct na mijn werk schoonmaken.

Why is zal used instead of ga to talk about the future?

Using zal implies a slightly more formal or certain future event, while ga can be more informal or colloquial. Both are correct, but zal often sounds more definitive.

Why do we place direct na mijn werk between de schuur and schoonmaken?

In Dutch, time indicators like direct na mijn werk often appear after the object (de schuur) and before the verb at the end (schoonmaken). This is a common word order pattern that follows the "subject – verb (auxiliary) – object – time – main verb" structure.

Is schoonmaken considered one verb even though it looks like two words put together?

Yes, schoonmaken is a separable verb in Dutch. The parts schoon (clean) and maken (to make) combine to form one verb meaning "to clean." In the infinitive form, they appear as one word, but in certain tenses they can split (e.g., Ik maak de schuur schoon).

Does direct here mean the same as meteen?

Direct and meteen are very similar in meaning. Both indicate that something will happen right away. Direct can sometimes sound a bit more direct or slightly more formal compared to meteen, but in most contexts you can use them interchangeably.

Is there any difference in tone if I say Ik ga de schuur direct na mijn werk schoonmaken instead?

Using ga instead of zal sounds a bit more casual and colloquial. The meaning stays almost the same, but zal adds a slight nuance of definiteness, whereas ga can imply more of a plan or intention. Both are grammatically correct.