Breakdown of Níu tíundu af þykkninu eru náttúrulegt hreinsiefni.
vera
to be
níu
nine
tíundi
tenth
af
of (in quantity expressions)
hreinsiefnið
the cleaning product
þykknið
the concentrate
náttúrulegur
natural
Questions & Answers about Níu tíundu af þykkninu eru náttúrulegt hreinsiefni.
How exactly is the fraction níu tíundu formed in this sentence?
To form complex fractions, Icelandic uses a cardinal number for the numerator (níu) and a plural weak ordinal number for the denominator (tíundu). The denominator takes the masculine plural form because the word hlutar (parts) is grammatically implied, so it literally means 'nine tenth parts'.
Why is the verb eru plural when the complement náttúrulegt hreinsiefni is singular?
The verb agrees with the grammatical subject, which is the fraction níu tíundu. Because the numerator is greater than one, the fraction is plural, requiring the plural verb eru. The complement (hreinsiefni) remains singular because it describes a single mass substance.
Why does the noun þykkni become þykkninu here?
The preposition af (used here to mean 'of' a total amount) always requires the dative case. Þykkni (concentrate) is a neuter noun, and when we attach the dative definite article, it becomes þykkninu.
How is the compound word hreinsiefni constructed?
It combines hreinsi-, relating to cleaning (from the verb að hreinsa), and the neuter noun efni (material, substance, or chemical). Together they form the word for 'cleaning product' or 'detergent'.
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