Prepositions before clauses (på att…, om…)

Prepositions Before "Att" Clauses

In English, we usually drop the preposition before a "that" clause (for example, "I doubt that," not "I doubt on that").

In Swedish, the rule is the opposite: you keep the preposition right before an att-clause. If a verb or adjective requires a specific preposition, they stay glued together.

We doubt that the future will be simple.
Vi tvivlar på att framtiden blir enkel.
Are you prepared for the fact that the new profession involves a big change?
Är du beredd på att det nya yrket innebär en stor förändring?

Prepositions Before Indirect Questions

The same rule applies when the preposition is followed by an indirect question starting with om (whether/if) or a question word like vad (what). The preposition stays locked in place right before the clause.

He is thinking about whether he should take a chance and change careers.
Han funderar på om han ska chansa och byta karriär.
I worry about what the decision involves for the future.
Jag oroar mig för vad beslutet innebär för framtiden.

Weighing the Options

Notice how the prepositions remain steady regardless of whether an att-clause or an om-clause follows:

They are afraid that the consequence will be too big if they take a chance.
De är rädda för att konsekvensen blir för stor om de chansar.
The boss doubts whether there is a better alternative.
Chefen tvivlar på om det finns ett bättre alternativ.
We often talk about the fact that retirement has more advantages than disadvantages.
Vi pratar ofta om att pensionen har fler fördelar än nackdelar.