Breakdown of Getum við breytt planinu ef hann kemur ekki?
hann
he
ekki
not
við
we
koma
to come
ef
if
geta
to be able to
breyta
to change
planið
the plan
Questions & Answers about Getum við breytt planinu ef hann kemur ekki?
Why is ekki at the very end of this sentence instead of before the verb?
In English, we use 'does not' before the main verb. In Icelandic subordinate clauses like this ef (if) clause, the verb stays in its normal position and the negative word ekki comes immediately after it. Because there is no object following the verb here, ekki naturally lands at the very end of the sentence.
Why do we use breytt instead of the infinitive breyta?
The verb geta (can or to be able to) is special in Icelandic. It always forces the verb that follows it into the supine form, rather than the infinitive. Breytt is the supine form of breyta.
Why does planið change to planinu here?
The verb breyta (to change) governs the dative case. It forces its object into the dative form, so the regular nominative or accusative form planið (the plan) becomes planinu.
Why do we use the present tense kemur when talking about a future possibility?
Just like in English, Icelandic typically uses the present tense inside ef (if) clauses to talk about the future. It is standard to say 'if he comes' rather than trying to use a future tense construction.
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