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UNIT TWENTY-FOUR
Word order
Introduction
In Unit 23 in Basic Dutch, we discussed basic word order and sentence
structure in coordinated and subordinated sentences. Throughout other
chapters in this book, on negation, separable verbs, passive structures,
the conditional, and so on, word order has been at the center of attention.
This unit provides a summary of the most important aspects of word order
and sentence structure. First, a review of the basics.
Coordinated and subordinated sentences
In a coordinated or main sentence, the verb always takes the second position
(example 1), unless the sentence is a ‘yes–no’ question or an order
using the imperative. In those two cases, the verb takes the first position
(examples 2, 3). In a subordinated sentence, the verb moves to the end
(example 4). In the examples the verb is in italics.
1 Peter komt naar het feest. Peter is coming to the party.
2 Komt Peter naar het feest? Is Peter coming to the party?
3 Kom ook naar het feest! Do come to the party, too!
4 Peter zegt dat hij naar het Peter says he is coming to the party.
feest komt.
Basic word order in main sentences
In a main sentence, the subject and verb take first and second place
(example 1), unless there is inversion of subject and verb (example 2), and
within the other elements of the sentence, the order is as follows: time,
manner, place (example 3).
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