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Questions & Answers about Factor is belangrijk.
Why is there no article before Factor in the sentence?
In Dutch, singular countable nouns usually require an article (such as de or het). However, in certain contexts—like headlines, bullet points, or general statements—the article can be omitted to create a concise, impactful statement. Here, Factor is belangrijk is presented as a general, almost slogan-like assertion, so the omission is acceptable stylistically.
What is the sentence structure of Factor is belangrijk, and how does it compare to English?
The sentence follows a basic subject–verb–predicate adjective order. Factor is the subject, is is the linking verb, and belangrijk (meaning important) acts as the predicate adjective. This structure closely mirrors simple English sentences like Factor is important, making it easier for English speakers to grasp the general word order in declarative Dutch sentences.
Why does the adjective belangrijk not change its form in this sentence?
In Dutch, adjectives used after a linking verb (in a predicative position) remain in their base form without added endings. When adjectives appear before a noun (attributive position), they often receive an ending based on the noun’s gender, number, and definiteness. Since belangrijk follows is here, it stays unchanged.
How would I express the plural version, as in "Factors are important," in Dutch?
To express the plural, you change the noun and the verb. The plural of factor is factoren and the verb is becomes zijn to agree with the plural subject. Thus, the sentence would be: Factoren zijn belangrijk.
Is it acceptable in Dutch to use an English-derived word like factor, and does it affect how I use articles with it?
Yes, many English words are used in Dutch, especially in technical, academic, or colloquial contexts. When used in a more complete sentence, factor would typically appear with the appropriate article (usually de if it’s a common gender noun), yielding de factor is belangrijk. The version without an article, as in Factor is belangrijk, might be used for stylistic emphasis or as part of a headline-like statement.