Question 1

If we start the sentence with kanske to say Maybe we can adopt..., how does it affect the word order?

Accepted Answer

Usually, starting a main clause with an adverb triggers the V2 rule, forcing the verb into the second position. However, kanske is a major exception. It frequently allows V3 word order, meaning you can say Kanske vi kan adoptera... without swapping the subject and verb. You can also use the traditional V2 order (Kanske kan vi...), but the V3 exception is very common in everyday speech.

Question 2

Where does the phrase förutsatt att come from?

Accepted Answer

It is built from the verb förutsätta, which means to assume or to presuppose. The word förutsatt is the past participle. When combined with att, it acts as a fixed conjunction meaning provided that or on the condition that (literally presupposed that).

Question 3

If we wanted to make the second clause negative (provided that we do not have time), where would inte go?

Accepted Answer

Because förutsatt att introduces a subordinate clause, you need to use the BIFF rule. This rule dictates that sentence adverbs like inte must come before the finite verb in a subordinate clause. Therefore, it becomes förutsatt att vi inte har tid.

Question 4

Can I just say en hund utan hem instead of en hemlös hund?

Accepted Answer

Yes, en hund utan hem (a dog without a home) is perfectly understandable, but en hemlös hund is much more natural and concise. Swedish frequently uses the suffix -lös to create adjectives meaning without, functioning exactly like the English suffix -less.

Vi kan adoptera en hemlös hund, förutsatt att vi har tid.

Breakdown of Vi kan adoptera en hemlös hund, förutsatt att vi har tid.

Questions & Answers about Vi kan adoptera en hemlös hund, förutsatt att vi har tid.

Learn Vi kan adoptera en hemlös hund, förutsatt att vi har tid and more in Swedish