Breakdown of Эта характеристика представляет собой сущность и главное свойство системы.
и
and
этот
this [f: эта, n: это]
главный
main
себя
oneself (себе: Dat/Prep)
система
system
представлять собой
to constitute, to represent
сущность
essence (nature, entity)
характеристика
characteristic
свойство
property (characteristic, attribute)
Questions & Answers about Эта характеристика представляет собой сущность и главное свойство системы.
Why is the feminine noun сущность in the accusative case here, and why does it look exactly like the nominative?
The verb phrase представлять собой requires its object to be in the accusative case. Because сущность is a third-declension feminine noun (ending in a soft sign), its accusative form is completely identical to its nominative form.
Could I drop собой and just say Эта характеристика представляет сущность?
No, you need собой here. The phrase представлять собой is a set expression used in formal contexts meaning to constitute, to be, or to represent inherently. If you only use представлять, it means to present something (like a ticket) or to act on behalf of someone (like representing a client).
Why does главное свойство look like it is in the nominative case if it is the object of the verb?
It is actually in the accusative case because it is connected to сущность by the word и, making it the second direct object of представляет собой. However, свойство is an inanimate neuter noun, and for all neuter nouns, the accusative form is identical to the nominative form.
What is the difference in meaning between характеристика and свойство?
While both can translate to characteristic or property, характеристика usually refers to a defined parameter, specification, or a description assigned to something. свойство refers to an inherent, natural quality or physical attribute that the system naturally possesses.
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