Syntax with Modals
What is it?
Adding a modal verb (will, could, should, etc) to your sentence changes the word order.
The Rules
The word order is:
S = Subject (the do'er)
Mod = Modal Verb (e.g. 'could','should','would',etc)
(Neg = Negation)
V = Verb (the action)
IO = Indirect Object (and to whom)
DO = Direct Object (what/who is 'actioned')
Examples
| Jeg | kunne | (ikke) | give | hende | blomsterne |
| S | Mod | Neg | V | IO | DO |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| [lit: I | could | (not) | give | her | the flowers] |
Notice here that when adding a modal verb the negation moves position so it's between the two verbs.