Learn Hardcore Russian: Безопасность дома была усилена новой сигнализацией. - The house’s safety was enhanced by a new alarm system.

It translates to "the security (or safety) of the house". Here, "безопасность" is the subject of the sentence, and "дома" is in the genitive case, acting as a modifier to specify whose security is being discussed.

How is the phrase "была усилена" constructed, in terms of tense and voice?

"Была усилена" is a past tense form written in the passive voice. The auxiliary verb "была" indicates past tense and agrees in gender (feminine, matching "безопасность"), while "усилена" is the past passive participle of усилить, meaning "strengthened" or "enhanced."

Why is "новой сигнализацией" in the instrumental case, and what does it signify in the sentence?

In Russian passive constructions, the instrument or means by which an action is carried out is expressed using the instrumental case. "Новой сигнализацией" means "by a new alarm system". The instrumental case here indicates the tool or method used to enhance the security.

What does "сигнализацией" refer to in this context?

"Сигнализацией" refers to an alarm system or security system. It denotes the device that has been installed to strengthen the security of the house.

How does the word order help clarify the meaning of the sentence?

The sentence begins with "Безопасность дома," clearly indicating the topic or subject—the house’s security. This is followed by the passive verb "была усилена," which tells us that an action was performed on the security. Finally, the instrumental phrase "новой сигнализацией" specifies the means by which the security was enhanced. This structure is typical in Russian passive sentences and helps emphasize the result of the action.