Subordinate clause word order
The BIFF rule is a mnemonic for word order in subordinate clauses (bisatser). It states that a sentence adverbial (like 'inte', 'alltid', 'kanske') comes before the finite verb.
How It Works
The BIFF rule is a fundamental concept for correct word order in Swedish sentences containing subordinate clauses (bisatser). It provides a simple way to remember where to place sentence adverbs.
What is a Sentence Adverb?
Strict sentence adverbials express matters such as negation or likelihood. The same middle-field position also hosts frequency adverbials such as alltid and ofta; not every word in this list has exactly the same grammatical function:
- inte (not)
- alltid (always)
- aldrig (never)
- ofta (often)
- kanske (maybe)
- säkert (surely)
- också (also)
The BIFF Mnemonic
BIFF stands for:
- Bisats (In a subordinate clause)
- Inte (the sentence adverb, using 'inte' as the example)
- Före (comes before)
- Finita verbet (the finite verb)
Main Clause vs. Subordinate Clause
The key is to recognize the difference in word order between a main clause (huvudsats) and a subordinate clause (bisats).
Main Clause: Follows the V2 (verb-second) rule. In an ordinary declarative main clause, the finite verb is the second constituent. A middle-field adverbial comes after the finite verb; a fronted or specially focused adverbial can occupy another position.
Example: Han läser alltid böcker. (He always reads books.)
Subordinate Clause: Introduced by a subjunction (e.g., att, om, när, som). The BIFF rule applies here. The sentence adverb comes before the finite verb.
Example: Jag vet att han alltid läser böcker. (I know that he always reads books.)
Notice how 'alltid' moves from after 'läser' to before 'läser' when the sentence becomes a subordinate clause.
A Default With Recognized Exceptions
BIFF is the normal written pattern for embedded clauses. In speech and informal writing, some att-clauses use main-clause order, as in Jag tror att hon kommer inte i morgon. Språkrådet recommends ordinary subordinate order in neutral written prose: Jag tror att hon inte kommer i morgon. Do not label every att-clause with main-clause order impossible.
The mnemonic concerns adverbial placement, not the presence of a conjunction alone. It does not forbid adverbials modifying a particular phrase or placed later for special focus.
Examples (5)
- Jag vet att han inte talar svenska.
I know that he does not speak Swedish.
Word by Word: I know that he not speaks Swedish.
In the subordinate clause 'att han inte talar svenska', the adverb 'inte' comes before the verb 'talar'.
- Hon frågade om vi kanske ville ha kaffe.
She asked if we perhaps wanted coffee.
Word by Word: She asked if we perhaps wanted have coffee.
The subordinate clause starts with 'om'. The sentence adverb 'kanske' is placed before the finite verb 'ville'.
- Det är viktigt att du alltid borstar tänderna.
It is important that you always brush your teeth.
Word by Word: It is important that you always brush the-teeth.
Here, 'alltid' (always) comes before the verb 'borstar' because it's in a subordinate clause introduced by 'att'.
- Jag blir glad när du ofta hälsar på.
I get happy when you often visit.
Word by Word: I become happy when you often visit on.
In the ordinary subordinate pattern shown here, the frequency adverbial ofta precedes finite hälsar. The sentence describes being pleased on occasions with frequent visits.
- Bilen, som aldrig startar på vintern, står i garaget.
The car, which never starts in the winter, is in the garage.
Word by Word: The-car, which never starts in the-winter, stands in the-garage.
The relative clause 'som aldrig startar...' is a subordinate clause. Therefore, 'aldrig' comes before 'startar'.
Common Mistakes
Placing Inte After The Finite Verb In An Ordinary Relative Clause
Jag har en bil som startar inte på vintern.Jag har en bil som inte startar på vintern.In this ordinary relative clause, inte precedes finite startar. This is a clearer BIFF practice example than an att-clause after tror, since some att-clauses allow main-clause order in informal speech.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand the BIFF rule (Bisats Inte Före Finit verb), you first need to be comfortable with standard Swedish word order in main clauses. You must also understand what sentence adverbs (like 'inte', 'aldrig', or 'alltid') are, as the rule specifically governs their placement before the verb in subordinate clauses.
- Verb-second rule
Understanding standard main clause word order (V2) is essential to contrast it with the specific word order used in subordinate clauses.
Level 3 - inteNot
The BIFF rule specifically dictates the placement of sentence adverbs like 'inte', so knowing how to use negation is a fundamental component.
Level 1 - somThat/which/who
Subordinate clauses are often introduced by relative pronouns or conjunctions; 'som' is a primary marker for the types of clauses where the BIFF rule applies.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- That-clause structure
'att'-clauses are one of the most common types of subordinate clauses. The BIFF rule is the specific rule for placing adverbs within them.
Level 2 - om (villkor)If
Conditional clauses starting with 'om' (if) are subordinate clauses. The BIFF rule dictates where to place adverbs like 'inte' or 'kanske' inside these clauses.
Level 2 - eftersomBecause/since
Clauses of reason starting with 'eftersom' (because/since) are subordinate clauses and must follow the BIFF rule for correct word order.
Level 2 - när (subjunktion)When
Temporal clauses starting with 'när' (when) are subordinate clauses, so the placement of sentence adverbs within them is governed by the BIFF rule.
Level 2
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
- det är...somDet Är...som ConstructionLevel 3
- det somThat WhichLevel 3
- där/dit/därifrånWhere/to Where/from Where (Relative)Level 3
- fråga omAsk Whether/ifLevel 3
- förutom attBesides/except ThatLevel 3
- Reported speechLevel 3
- If-clausesLevel 3
- undra + Question WordWonder + QuestionLevel 3
And 5 more in the full list.
Words in This Pattern
Practice Subordinate clause word order in Bubblegum
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