When used as conjunctions, the following words mark the beginning of a short subclause:
om, ten einde | to, in order to | door | by
na | after | alvorens | before
zonder | without | in plaats van | instead of
We will have a look at a few examples on the next page but first, note the following two points:
- Om
The word _om_ is often omitted. This makes it difficult to see the subclause - the sentence seems to consist of only one main clause, where it actually has a main clause and a subclause, each with its own independent verb. It is important that you recognize the 'omitted- _om_-construction'.
Ik streef ernaar ~~om~~ op tijd te komen. | I try to be on time.
Ik vraag je ~~om~~ dat te doen. | I ask you to do that.
Ik verzoek je ~~om~~ op tijd te zijn. | I request you to be on time.
Ik draag je op ~~om~~ dat te doen. | I order you to do that.
Ik beveel je ~~om~~ dat te doen. | I order you to do that.
Ik moedig je aan ~~om~~ dat te doen. | I encourage you to do that.
- Na
A short subclause that begins with _na_ always has a [perfect tense](#/lesson/Verbs.Re13). This means that "te + infinitive (hebben/zijn/worden)" is followed by a [past participle](#/lesson/Verbs.Re12).
In other words, we do not use the construction 'after dining with our neighbours', but only 'after having dined with our neighbours'.
De timmerman kwam thuis na daar te hebben gewerkt. | The carpenter came home after having worked there.
Na een uur te hebben rondgelopen, gingen we. | After having walked around for an hour, we went... (lit)