om te
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Afrikaans
[edit]Pronunciation
[edit]Audio: (file)
Particle
[edit]Usage notes
[edit]- The object of the infinitive as well as adverbials modifying it come between om and te:
- om ’n huis te bou ― to build a house
- om goed te luister ― to listen well
Dutch
[edit]Pronunciation
[edit]Audio: (file)
Particle
[edit]- to
- Synonym: te
- in order to, for the purpose of
Usage notes
[edit]- When the infinitive expresses purpose (i.e. when English could employ in order to), the use of om is obligatory; otherwise it is generally optional. In the latter case the use of om tends to be preferred when an object or adverbial comes before te.
- Het heeft geen zin (om) te wachten. (optional use) ― It is no use to wait.
- Het heeft geen zin (om) de hele dag te wachten. (preferred use) ― It is no use to wait all day.
- The use of om is ungrammatical after some specific verbs, e.g. durven (“to dare”).