Breakdown of Został liderem wyprawy pomimo wielkiego niebezpieczeństwa.
wielki
great (large, grand)
zostać
to become
lider
leader
pomimo
despite
wyprawa
expedition
niebezpieczeństwo
danger
Questions & Answers about Został liderem wyprawy pomimo wielkiego niebezpieczeństwa.
Why are wielkiego niebezpieczeństwa in the Genitive case here?
Because the preposition pomimo (despite) always requires the noun phrase following it to be in the Genitive case. Since niebezpieczeństwo (danger) is a neuter noun, its Genitive form ends in -a, and the adjective wielkie (great) changes to wielkiego.
Could I use mimo instead of pomimo in this sentence?
Yes, absolutely. Mimo and pomimo mean exactly the same thing and both require the Genitive case. You could just as correctly say mimo wielkiego niebezpieczeństwa. Pomimo is simply a slightly more formal or emphatic version of the word.
Why is the word for leader (liderem) in the Instrumental case instead of the dictionary form lider?
The verb zostać (to become) requires the noun that follows it to be in the Instrumental case when you are talking about professions, roles, or titles. Because he became a leader, the masculine noun lider changes to its Instrumental form, liderem.
Why is wyprawy (expedition) also in the Genitive case? Is that because of pomimo too?
No, pomimo does not affect it. Wyprawy is in the Genitive case simply because it means of the expedition. In Polish, the Genitive case is used to show possession or connection, directly taking the place of the English word of.
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