al + Verb First
Even Though: Al + Verb First
Al + verb + subject: Al is dit koud, gaan ons swem. (Even though it's cold, we're going swimming.)
How It Works
1. The order in the al clause. The finite verb comes straight after al, then the subject. Any other verbs go to the end of the clause:
- Al werk hy hard, verdien hy min. (Even though he works hard, he earns little.)
- Al het ek hard geleer, het ek die toets gedruip. (Even though I studied hard, I failed the test.)
2. The main clause. After a fronted al clause, the main clause usually puts its verb first: Al is dit koud, gaan ons swem. Normal order is also used, especially in speech and in old sayings: Al is dit koud, ons gaan swem. The saying Al dra 'n aap 'n goue ring, hy is en bly 'n lelike ding keeps that normal order.
3. Even though or even if. The same pattern covers a fact (even though) and a possibility (even if): Ek sal dit nie doen nie, al betaal jy my 'n miljoen rand. (I won't do it, even if you pay me a million rand.) Here the al clause follows the main clause and still starts with its verb.
4. Compared with hoewel. Hoewel and alhoewel also mean although, but they send the verb to the end: Alhoewel dit koud is, ... Only bare al takes the verb straight after it.
Tip: Do not mix this up with al meaning already (see al, nog and eers): Is dit al koud? (Is it cold already?) There al sits inside the sentence and does not start a clause. Selfs al is a stronger form: Selfs al is dit koud, ...
Examples (5)
- Al is dit koud, gaan ons swem.
Even though it's cold, we're going swimming.
Word by Word: Even-though is it cold, go we swim.
- Al werk hy hard, verdien hy min.
Even though he works hard, he earns little.
Word by Word: Even-though works he hard, earns he little.
- Al het ek hard geleer, het ek die toets gedruip.
Even though I studied hard, I failed the test.
Word by Word: Even-though have I hard studied, have I the test failed.
Het comes straight after al; the ge- form geleer goes to the end of the clause.
- Ek sal dit nie doen nie, al betaal jy my 'n miljoen rand.
I won't do it, even if you pay me a million rand.
Word by Word: I will it not do not, even-if pay you me a million rand.
The al clause can also follow the main clause, and it still starts with its verb.
- Al dra 'n aap 'n goue ring, hy is en bly 'n lelike ding.
Even if a monkey wears a golden ring, he is and remains an ugly thing.
Word by Word: Even-if wears a monkey a golden ring, he is and stays an ugly thing.
A well-known saying that keeps normal order in the main clause.
Common Mistakes
Putting the subject before the verb after al.
Al dit is koud, gaan ons swem.Al is dit koud, gaan ons swem.In this pattern the verb must come straight after al, before the subject.
Using verb-first order after alhoewel.
Alhoewel is dit koud, gaan ons swem.Alhoewel dit koud is, gaan ons swem.Only bare al takes the verb right after it. Alhoewel and hoewel are ordinary conjunctions, so the verb goes to the end of their clause.
How It Connects
Learn This First
Al with the verb first means even though.
Related Patterns
- al/nog/eersAl, Nog and Eers
The everyday al meaning already, which does not start a clause.
Level 3 - hoe ... ook alHowever Much: Hoe ... Ook Al
Another way to say no matter how.
Level 5 - Conditions Without as
Conditions without as also start with the verb.
Level 5 - selfsEven: Selfs
Selfs al is a stronger even though.
Level 4 - Starting With a Subordinate Clause
The rule that usually puts the main-clause verb first after a fronted clause.
Level 3
Words in This Pattern
Practice al + Verb First in Bubblegum
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