Question 1

Why do we use hvort tveggja for 'both' here instead of a form of báðir?

Accepted Answer

Hvort tveggja is used when referring to two abstract concepts, uncountable things, or actions. Forms of báðir (like bæði) are used for countable nouns. Even though we don't see the two things being referred to in this standalone sentence, the use of hvort tveggja tells us they are abstract ideas rather than physical objects.

Question 2

What case is hvort tveggja in, and how does it decline?

Accepted Answer

It is in the accusative case because it is the direct object of eyðileggur (destroy). In this compound pronoun, only the first word declines: hvort is the neuter accusative singular form. The second word, tveggja, is literally the genitive of the number two and stays frozen in this phrase no matter what role it plays in the sentence.

Question 3

Why is the first 'you' translated as þig while the second is þú?

Accepted Answer

This happens because of the specific verbs involved. The verb vanta (to lack) is an impersonal verb that forces its subject into the accusative case, so þú becomes þig. In the second clause, eyðileggja (to destroy) is a normal personal verb, so it takes a standard nominative subject (þú).

Question 4

Why does the second clause say eyðileggur þú instead of þú eyðileggur?

Accepted Answer

This is the V2 (verb-second) rule in action. The entire dependent clause at the start (Ef þig vantar skynsemi) counts as the first element of the sentence. Because the main verb must come in the second position, eyðileggur takes that spot immediately after the clause, pushing the subject þú right behind the verb.

Ef þig vantar skynsemi eyðileggur þú hvort tveggja.

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