Questions & Answers about Foreløpig holder vi oss inne fordi det regner.
What does the word Foreløpig add? Is it the same as “for now”?
Yes. Foreløpig means “for now / for the time being,” with a built‑in sense that the situation is temporary and may change. Close alternatives:
- inntil videre = until further notice (a bit more formal)
- enn så lenge = for the time being (idiomatic)
- for øyeblikket = at the moment (focus on right now, shorter time span) As an adjective it can mean “preliminary,” e.g., en foreløpig plan (a preliminary plan).
Where can I place Foreløpig in the sentence?
Common options:
- Foreløpig holder vi oss inne (fronted for emphasis on “for now”)
- Vi holder oss foreløpig inne (neutral; adverb near the verb)
- Vi holder oss inne foreløpig (also natural) If you front it, Norwegian main clauses keep the verb in second position (V2), hence Foreløpig holder …, not “Foreløpig vi holder …”
Why is it holder vi oss and not just holder vi inne?
Because å holde seg + place adverb means “to stay/keep oneself (somewhere).” You need the reflexive pronoun that matches the subject:
- jeg holder meg inne
- du holder deg inne
- han/hun holder seg inne
- vi holder oss inne
- dere holder dere inne
- de holder seg inne Without the reflexive, å holde inne means “to pause/hold back,” not “stay indoors.” So Vi holder inne would mean “We’re holding back/pausing,” which is different.