Breakdown of Ten trend w modzie polega na tym, że projektanci używają starych tkanin.
to
this
ten
this (m)
stary
old
w
in / on (a day)
Questions & Answers about Ten trend w modzie polega na tym, że projektanci używają starych tkanin.
Why do we say polega na tym, że instead of just polega na że?
Polish prepositions like na cannot attach directly to a że clause. They need a dummy pronoun, to, to act as a bridge. Because the verb phrase polegać na (to consist in) requires the Locative case, the pronoun to changes to its Locative form, tym.
Why is 'old fabrics' in the Genitive case (starych tkanin)?
The verb używać (to use) is an exception to the normal rule where direct objects take the Accusative case. It strictly requires the Genitive case. Since we are talking about plural fabrics, we use the Genitive plural starych tkanin.
What case is modzie and why?
It is the Locative case of moda (fashion). We use it here because the preposition w (in) takes the Locative when describing a field or area, such as a trend in fashion (trend w modzie).
Can polegać na mean something else in a different context?
Yes! When used with a person, polegać na kimś means 'to rely on someone' or 'to depend on someone'. Here, with an abstract concept, it means 'to consist in' or 'to be about'.