Breakdown of Han bestämmer ofta snabbt, men ibland är det ett problem.
vara
to be
ett
a
ibland
sometimes
det
it
ofta
often
han
he
men
but
snabbt
quickly
problemet
the problem
bestämma
to decide
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Questions & Answers about Han bestämmer ofta snabbt, men ibland är det ett problem.
Do I need the reflexive sig after bestämmer here?
Often, yes—if you mean he makes up his own mind.
- Han bestämmer sig ofta snabbt = He often makes up his mind quickly.
- Han bestämmer ofta snabbt can sound like he is the one who decides things for others (e.g., a boss) and does so quickly. It isn’t wrong in all contexts, but if the focus is his own personal decisions, use bestämmer sig.
What’s the difference between bestämma, bestämma sig, besluta, and fatta/ta beslut?
- bestämma = to decide/determine/set (often about rules, prices, what others will do): Chefen bestämmer.
- bestämma sig = to decide for oneself/make up one’s mind: Han bestämde sig snabbt.
- besluta = to decide (more formal; common in official contexts): Styrelsen beslutar att stänga.
- fatta/ta beslut = to make a decision (neutral/common): Hon fattar beslut snabbt; Han tar beslut snabbt.
All can fit your sentence with small tweaks:
- Han bestämmer sig ofta snabbt
- Han beslutar ofta snabbt (more formal)
- Han fattar ofta beslut snabbt
Why is the verb before the subject in Ibland är det ett problem?
Swedish main clauses follow the V2 rule: the finite verb is in second position. When you front an adverb like ibland (sometimes), the verb must come next, then the subject:
- 1st slot: Ibland
- 2nd slot (finite verb): är
- 3rd slot (subject/formal subject): det
Why are there two adverbs in a row, ofta snabbt? Is that order right?
Yes.
- ofta (often) is a sentence adverb (frequency) and normally sits after the finite verb.
- snabbt (quickly) is a manner adverb and typically comes later. Default order: finite verb + sentence adverb + manner adverb → bestämmer ofta snabbt.
Nuance: ofta snabbt means that, on many occasions, the deciding happens quickly. You could also say:
- Han bestämmer oftast snabbt (usually/most often)
- Han brukar bestämma snabbt (he generally/habitually decides quickly)
Can I say Han bestämmer snabbt ofta?
No, that word order is unnatural. If you want to stress that sometimes/often he decides quickly, use:
- Ibland bestämmer han snabbt
- Han bestämmer ibland snabbt For “often,” keep the default order:
- Han bestämmer ofta snabbt
Is the comma before men necessary?
It’s standard and recommended in Swedish to put a comma before men when it links two main clauses. Your comma is correct: ..., men ibland är det ett problem.
What does det refer to in är det ett problem?
Det is a formal (dummy) subject—very common in Swedish with expressions like det är + predicative. It points to the situation just mentioned (his quick deciding), not to a specific noun. You wouldn’t use den here.
Why ett problem and not en problem? What are the forms of problem?
Problem is a neuter noun (an ett-word):
- Singular indefinite: ett problem
- Singular definite: problemet
- Plural indefinite: problem
- Plural definite: problemen
Contrast:
- Det är ett problem = There is a problem / That’s a problem (singular).
- Det är problem = There are problems (plural, general).
Could I say Ibland blir det ett problem instead of är?
Yes.
- är states a condition: sometimes it is a problem.
- blir emphasizes a change: sometimes it turns into/becomes a problem because of the quick decisions. Pick the one that matches your intended nuance.
Where do I put inte (not) in these clauses?
- Main clause negation: after the finite verb.
- Han bestämmer inte snabbt (He doesn’t decide quickly).
- With frequency:
- Han bestämmer ofta inte snabbt (He often doesn’t decide quickly). This is grammatical but a bit heavy; many prefer: Han brukar inte bestämma snabbt.
- Second clause:
- Ibland är det inte ett problem (Sometimes it’s not a problem).
- Det är ibland inte ett problem is also possible (less fronted emphasis).
Does bestämmer change with the subject? What are the basic forms?
No person endings in Swedish. Present tense is the same for all persons.
- Infinitive: bestämma
- Present: bestämmer
- Past (preterite): bestämde
- Supine (with har): har bestämt Examples: Jag/Han bestämmer, Han bestämde igår, Han har bestämt sig.
Can I move ofta or ibland to other positions?
Yes, for emphasis, keeping V2:
- Ofta bestämmer han snabbt, men ibland är det ett problem.
- Han bestämmer ofta snabbt, men det är ibland ett problem.
- Ibland bestämmer han snabbt, men det är ett problem. Fronting (Ofta/Ibland ...) gives those words extra emphasis.
Could I use Det finns ett problem instead of Det är ett problem?
They differ:
- Det finns ett problem = There exists a problem (neutral existence).
- Det är ett problem = That’s a problem (evaluative/commenting on the situation). In your sentence, Det är ett problem fits better because you’re judging the effect of quick decisions.