Breakdown of Zeznania świadków włamania są ważne, natomiast odciski palców to twardy dowód.
być
to be
to
is (linking copula)
ważny
important
palec
finger, toe
dowód
proof
świadek
the witness
twardy
hard
natomiast
whereas, by contrast
włamanie
break-in
odcisk
print
zeznanie
testimony
Questions & Answers about Zeznania świadków włamania są ważne, natomiast odciski palców to twardy dowód.
Why are there two words in the genitive case right next to each other in świadków włamania?
Polish often chains genitive nouns to express a sequence of "of" relationships. Here, we have the nominative subject zeznania (the testimonies), followed by the genitive świadków (of the witnesses), which is in turn followed by another genitive włamania (of the break-in).
What is the difference between using natomiast here instead of ale?
While ale means "but" and often introduces a direct contradiction, natomiast translates closer to "whereas" or "on the other hand". It is used to contrast two different but equally true situations or viewpoints. It sounds slightly more formal, which fits this legal vocabulary perfectly.
Could I say odciski palców są twardym dowodem instead of using to?
Yes, absolutely. You can use the verb być (here, są) followed by the instrumental case (twardym dowodem). However, using the particle to with the nominative case (to twardy dowód) is often preferred for defining things or making strong, punchy statements.
Odciski palców is plural, but twardy dowód is singular. Is it okay that they don't match in number?
Yes! When you use the [Subject] to [Noun] structure, the noun after to doesn't have to match the number of the subject. The word to acts like an equal sign, letting you equate the plural fingerprints with the singular concept of "a piece of evidence".
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