The Norwegian puzzle - find your missing pieces

#3 "Å pleie å" - how you actually use it (English can be a false friend) [words]


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The Norwegian verb "å pleie" differs significantly from the English "used to" despite seeming like a direct translation. This episode breaks down how to correctly use this verb for habitual actions in Norwegian, avoiding a common mistake made even by native speakers.

• "Å pleie" must always be followed by another verb.
• Unlike English "used to," it can be used in both past and present tense.
• Only appropriate for repeatable habits, not stable states or conditions.
• Test your usage by replacing with "usually" in English – if it sounds natural, you're using it correctly.
• "Pleide" (past tense) for past habits, "pleier" (present tense) for current habits.
• Some sentences can work with or without "å pleie" depending on whether you want to emphasize the habitual nature.

Try making your own sentences with "å pleie" in the comments, and I'll let you know how you did!


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The Norwegian puzzle - find your missing piecesBy Silje Linn Moss