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B1Sentences and questions

Subordinate clauses with at

Report a statement with at and subordinate word order.

Bokmål · nb-NO
GRAMMATIKK · BOKMÅL

Subordinate clauses with at

At introduces reported content. In a subordinate clause ikke comes before the verb: at hun ikke kommer.

The rule, step by step

  1. At introduces the content of a statement or belief, as in Jeg tror at … . It is not the infinitive marker å.
  2. Inside the subordinate clause, use subject, ikke, then the finite verb and any remaining verb forms.
  3. Without negation, use subject then verb: at hun kommer. Do not use question inversion.

Sentence pattern

at + subject + (ikke) + verb

Compare forms and usage
BokmålMeaning or use
at hun kommerthat she is coming
at hun ikke kommerthat she is not coming
at hun ikke kan kommethat she cannot come

Everyday examples

Example 1

Han sier at han ikke har tid.

He says that he does not have time.

Example 2

Jeg tror at hun kommer i morgen.

I think she is coming tomorrow.

Example 3

Læreren sier at vi ikke trenger boka.

The teacher says that we do not need the book.

A common error or a difference in meaning

Form to review

Han sier at han har ikke tid.

Correct form for the intended meaning

Han sier at han ikke har tid.

In a subordinate clause with at, ikke precedes the finite verb har.

Put the rule into practice

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VELG

Choose the form that fits the rule and meaning explained in this lesson.

FYLL INN

Complete the gap using the appropriate form of the given word.

Given word: ikke

Jeg tror at hun _____ kommer i dag.

SETT I REKKEFØLGE

Rebuild the example, starting with “Han”: He says that he does not have time.

…

Continue with the same subject

Verb-second word order A1Yes/no questions A1The dummy subject det A1Indirect questions B1

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