Questions & Answers about Haldið áfram!
Why does the verb end in -ið here?
This is the plural command form of the verb halda (to hold). To tell multiple people to do something, you usually take the dictionary form of the verb, remove the final -a, and add -ið. So halda becomes haldið.
I thought halda meant "to hold". Why does this sentence mean "Keep going"?
You are right that halda on its own means "to hold" (or sometimes "to think"). However, when paired with the adverb áfram (forward/onwards), it forms a set phrase: halda áfram. Together, this phrase means "to continue" or "to keep going".
How would I say this to just one person?
To tell a single person to keep going, you would say Haltu áfram! The singular command merges the verb with the word for you (þú), causing the spelling to change a bit. For a group, you just use the straightforward -ið ending we see here in haldið.
Do I need to say the word for "you all" (þið) in this sentence?
No, it is not required. The -ið ending already makes it clear that you are commanding a plural group. You might sometimes hear Icelandic speakers mash the verb and pronoun together in speech, but just Haldið áfram! is perfectly complete and correct.
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