Breakdown of Mamy mnóstwo czasu, niemal półtora miesiąca.
mieć
to have
czas
time
miesiąc
month
półtora
one and a half (m/n)
mnóstwo
plenty
niemal
almost
Questions & Answers about Mamy mnóstwo czasu, niemal półtora miesiąca.
How does the approximation particle niemal affect the case of the phrase półtora miesiąca?
Particles of approximation like niemal (almost) or prawie (almost) do not change the case of the words that follow them. They just add meaning. The grammar of półtora miesiąca is exactly the same as it would be if niemal were removed.
Why is it półtora miesiąca with a singular noun, rather than a plural form for months?
The numeral półtora (one and a half) is a special word. Unlike standard numbers from two upwards which pair with plural nouns, półtora always requires the noun to be in the genitive singular. Since miesiąc is masculine, we use its genitive singular form miesiąca.
Is półtora used for all nouns, regardless of their grammatical gender?
No, półtora is only used with masculine and neuter nouns. If you were talking about a feminine noun, like godzina (hour), you would need to use its feminine counterpart półtorej, which would make it niemal półtorej godziny (almost one and a half hours).
Why is czas in the genitive case (czasu) if it is the object of what we have?
The verb mamy (we have) normally takes the accusative case. However, the true direct object here is the quantifier noun mnóstwo (plenty). Words expressing quantity, like mnóstwo, dużo, or mało, force the noun that follows them into the genitive case because you are literally saying a multitude of time.
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