Breakdown of Ik gebruik vervoer om naar school te gaan.
ik
I
gaan
to go
naar
to
de school
the school
om
for
gebruiken
to use
het vervoer
the transport
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Questions & Answers about Ik gebruik vervoer om naar school te gaan.
What is the literal translation of “Ik gebruik vervoer om naar school te gaan”?
It translates as “I use transportation to go to school.” The sentence means that the speaker relies on a means of transport to reach school.
What does the word vervoer mean, and are there any nuances in its usage?
Vervoer generally means “transportation” or “transit.” It refers broadly to any method or means by which one travels, whether it’s using public transport, a personal vehicle, or another mode of travel. Its use without an article in this context emphasizes the general concept of transportation rather than a specific type.
How does the om … te gaan construction work in this sentence?
The phrase “om naar school te gaan” is an infinitive clause that expresses purpose. The word om translates roughly to “in order to” or “to,” and it introduces the goal behind the main action. The te gaan part is the infinitive form of the verb gaan (to go), combining with om to clearly indicate why the speaker uses transportation.
Why is the purpose clause placed at the end of the sentence?
In Dutch, it is common to structure a sentence with the main clause first—here, “Ik gebruik vervoer”—followed by additional information such as a purpose clause. Placing “om naar school te gaan” at the end helps clarify the reason behind the action, ensuring the sentence flows naturally and clearly communicates intent.
Is it acceptable to use a general noun like vervoer without an article?
Yes, it is. In this sentence, vervoer is used in a general sense to refer to any means of transportation without specifying a particular type. In Dutch, as in English, omitting the article when discussing a concept in general terms is perfectly normal.