Követhetek

Követhetek is a Hungarian verb form derived from the verb követni, meaning to follow. It represents the first-person singular form of the potential mood, expressing possibility or conditional permission: “I could follow” or “I may follow.” In standard usage, követhetek is used when speaking about something that one might be able to follow under certain conditions, rather than as a statement of fact.

Formation and notes: követhetek is created by attaching the potential mood suffix -het/-hez to the verb stem követ-, with the personal ending -ek for the first person singular. This pattern is parallel to other Hungarian verbs in the potential mood, such as írhatok “I may write” or ehetek “I could eat.” The form is more common in formal or hypothetical contexts and may be contrasted with the present or past indicative, or with the conditional mood (követhetnék) to express a more speculative sense.

Usage guidance: követhetek can be used to discuss the possibility of following someone or something, whether literally (following a route or instructions) or figuratively (following a suggestion or example). Examples include: “Követhetek egy útvonalat a térképen” (I could follow a route on the map) and “Ha megkapom az engedélyt, követhetek téged” (If I receive permission, I may follow you). In everyday speech, speakers often prefer other constructions to convey similar meaning, but követhetek remains correct in contexts focusing on potential ability.

See also: követni; potential mood in Hungarian; Hungarian mood and tense system.