Questions & Answers about Ich muss heute weiterarbeiten.
Why is muss in the second position?
In a German main clause, the conjugated verb must be in the second position (the V2 rule). Here:
- Position 1: Ich
- Position 2: muss
- The rest of the predicate (the non-finite verb) goes to the end: weiterarbeiten.
This creates the typical “verbal bracket” (Satzklammer): the finite verb at the start and the infinitive at the end.
- Neutral order: Ich muss heute weiterarbeiten.
- If you front the time element, the verb still stays second: Heute muss ich weiterarbeiten.
Why is weiterarbeiten written as one word? Isn’t weiter separable?
Yes, weiter- is a separable verb particle, but in the infinitive it is written together with the verb: weiterarbeiten. It splits only when the verb is conjugated without a modal:
- With modal (bare infinitive, stays together): Ich muss weiterarbeiten.
- Without modal (finite verb splits): Ich arbeite weiter.
This is the same pattern as with other separable verbs: mitkommen → Ich komme mit.
Where can I put heute? Are other positions okay?