What Does “Kommer til å” Mean?
In Norwegian, there are several ways to express the future tense. One of the most common and neutral methods is by using “kommer til å,” which is similar to “going to” in English. This construction is used to indicate something that will happen, often based on a logical prediction or something that seems inevitable.
How to Form the Future Tense with “Kommer til å”
To construct the future tense using “kommer til å”, you need to follow a simple formula:
Subject + kommer til å + infinitive verb
Here’s a breakdown of each part:
- Subject: The person or thing performing the action (e.g., jeg, du, han, vi).
- Kommer til å: The fixed phrase indicating future tense.
- Infinitive verb: The action word in its basic form (e.g., spise, lese, reise).
Examples of “Kommer til å” in Sentences
- Jeg kommer til å spise middag senere. (I am going to eat dinner later.)
- Hun kommer til å lese boken. (She is going to read the book.)
- Vi kommer til å reise til Norge neste sommer. (We are going to travel to Norway next summer.)
- De kommer til å møte oss på stasjonen. (They are going to meet us at the station.)
Step-by-Step Guide to Conjugating Verbs with “Kommer til å”
- Choose the correct subject: Select who is performing the action (jeg, du, han, hun, vi, dere, de).
- Add “kommer til å”: This phrase does not change regardless of the subject.
- Use the infinitive form of the main verb: Do not conjugate the verb; use its dictionary form.
For example, to say “He will write,” you use: Han kommer til å skrive.
When Should You Use “Kommer til å”?
“Kommer til å” is best used for events that are likely to happen or are based on logical prediction. For personal plans or intentions, Norwegians might use “skal” instead, while “vil” is used for expressing willingness or desire. However, “kommer til å” is the safest and most neutral choice for future predictions and statements.
- Logical prediction: Det kommer til å regne i morgen. (It is going to rain tomorrow.)
- Inevitable events: Barnet kommer til å vokse opp. (The child is going to grow up.)
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not conjugate the main verb: Always use the infinitive form after “kommer til å”.
- Don’t confuse with “skal” or “vil”: Remember that “kommer til å” is not used for personal intentions or willingness; it is for stating what is likely to happen.
Practice with Talkpal AI
To truly master using “kommer til å” in everyday conversation, regular practice is crucial. Talkpal offers interactive exercises and real-life scenarios to help you internalize Norwegian grammar and build your confidence. By practicing speaking and writing with AI-driven feedback, you can quickly become comfortable using the future tense like a native speaker.
Conclusion
Understanding how to conjugate verbs in the future tense using “kommer til å” will help you express future plans and predictions accurately in Norwegian. Remember the simple structure: subject + kommer til å + infinitive. With consistent practice, especially with resources like the Talkpal AI language learning blog, you’ll be well on your way to fluency in Norwegian!
