Hún borðar ekki súkkulaði á kvöldin.

to eat

Breakdown of Hún borðar ekki súkkulaði á kvöldin.

• ekki: not
• hún: she
• á: in

Questions & Answers about Hún borðar ekki súkkulaði á kvöldin.

Why does the negation ekki come after borðar?

In Icelandic main clauses, the finite verb is in second position (V2). Sentence adverbs like ekki follow the verb. Default order is: Subject – Verb – ekki – Object – Time/Place. Hence: Hún borðar ekki súkkulaði á kvöldin.

Could I put ekki after the object, like Hún borðar súkkulaði ekki á kvöldin?

Not in neutral speech. Placing ekki after the object sounds marked and is used only for strong contrast (e.g., Hún borðar súkkulaði, ekki ís = She eats chocolate, not ice cream). For simple negation, keep ekki before the object.

How do I make this a yes/no question?

Move the finite verb to the front: Borðar hún (ekki) súkkulaði á kvöldin? If you keep the negation, it’s a negative question: Borðar hún ekki súkkulaði á kvöldin?

Can I front the time phrase? What happens to the verb then?

Yes. Icelandic is V2, so the verb still comes second: Á kvöldin borðar hún ekki súkkulaði. Fronting a time/place element is common for emphasis or flow.

Why is it á kvöldin and what does the ending -in mean?