Log inSign up

Jag håller ratten så hårt som möjligt.

Jag håller ratten så hårt som möjligt.
I hold the steering wheel as tightly as possible.
From Lesson 297:The 'as... as possible' structure (så ... som möjligt)·Swedish

Questions & Answers about Jag håller ratten så hårt som möjligt.

How does the så ... som möjligt phrase work in this sentence?
This is a set construction meaning "as [adverb/adjective] as possible". In this sentence, så acts as the first "as", som is the second "as", and möjligt means "possible". You simply place your describing word right in the middle.
Why is it hårt with a -t at the end instead of just hård?
Because it describes how you are holding the wheel, it acts as an adverb (meaning "tightly" rather than "tight"). In Swedish, you generally create an adverb by adding a -t to the adjective. Notice that the -d in hård changes to a -t to make hårt easier to spell and pronounce!
Why does möjligt also end in a -t?
The base word is möjlig (possible). In the så ... som möjligt construction, it always takes the neuter/adverbial -t ending. This is because it refers back to the general action of holding the wheel, rather than describing a specific "en" or "ett" noun.
Is ratten a false friend for English speakers?
Yes! It looks like it should mean "the rat", but en ratt actually means "a steering wheel", making ratten "the steering wheel". If you ever need to talk about a literal rat, the Swedish word for that is en råtta.

Learn Jag håller ratten så hårt som möjligt and more in Swedish

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Swedish →