Breakdown of Προσπαθώ να έχω σταθερό πρόγραμμα, με λίγη εξάσκηση κάθε πρωί.
λίγος
little
έχω
to have
να
to
με
with
Questions & Answers about Προσπαθώ να έχω σταθερό πρόγραμμα, με λίγη εξάσκηση κάθε πρωί.
Why does προσπαθώ take να έχω after it? Is να έχω like a subjunctive, and could you leave να out?
In modern Greek, many verbs of wanting/trying/etc. are followed by να + verb, which functions similarly to the subjunctive in other languages.
- Προσπαθώ να έχω… = I try to have…
- να is required here; you cannot say ✗ προσπαθώ έχω σταθερό πρόγραμμα.
- Grammatically, να έχω is often called the subjunctive form or να-clause, but in modern Greek it’s mostly about structure rather than “mood” in the old-fashioned sense.
So:
- Προσπαθώ να έχω σταθερό πρόγραμμα literally: I am trying that I have a stable schedule → I try to have a stable schedule.
Why is it έχω σταθερό πρόγραμμα and not something like κρατάω σταθερό πρόγραμμα or ακολουθώ σταθερό πρόγραμμα?
Έχω σταθερό πρόγραμμα is the most natural, basic way to say have a regular/steady schedule.
- έχω πρόγραμμα = I have a (set) schedule / plan.
- σταθερό πρόγραμμα = a stable, consistent schedule.
You can say:
- κρατάω σταθερό πρόγραμμα = I maintain a stable schedule (a bit more literally “keep up” a routine).
- ακολουθώ ένα σταθερό πρόγραμμα = I follow a stable schedule (focus on following something pre-decided).
But in everyday speech, έχω σταθερό πρόγραμμα is very normal and sounds simple and natural, especially in a sentence about trying to build a habit.
What exactly does mean here? Is it more like “schedule” or “routine”?