word order time complement or verbs first

Here, you can discuss all grammar-related topics. If you are not sure in which subforum you should post your question, post it anyway and the moderators will move it to the right place.
Post Reply
logicgate
Waardevol lid
Posts: 46
Joined: Sun May 22, 2022 5:56 pm
Mother tongue: French
Second language: German
Third language: English
Fourth language: Italian
Fifth, sixth, seventh, ..., languages: Dutch...

word order time complement or verbs first

Post by logicgate »

What sounds best :

1. Hij vertelde me dat je een manier zocht om Afrika te bereiken binnen een redelijke tijd.

2. Hij vertelde me dat je een manier zocht om Afrika binnen een redelijke tijd te bereiken.

I would instinctly go for 1.
Top
User avatar
LeSNT2
Superlid
Posts: 118
Joined: Mon Aug 09, 2021 5:28 pm
Country of residence: Netherlands
Mother tongue: Dutch (Netherlands)
Second language: English
Gender: Female
Contact:
Contact LeSNT2

Re: word order time complement or verbs first

Post by LeSNT2 »

They are both correct, grammatically. I would say the first one is a little bit better because the 'om ... te ...' construction is closer to each other. So the first one says 'om Afrika te bereiken', it's close to each other so easier to understand. The second one says 'om Afrika binnen een redelijke tijd te bereiken' so as a listener (or reader) you're waiting for the end of the 'om ... te...' construction.

Hope you understand what I'm trying to explain!
English isn't my first/best language. So in advance: Sorry for any mistakes!
Top
Post Reply

Return to “Dutch grammar”