Breakdown of Algoritmen låter sig inte integreras.
inte
not
sig
oneself / himself / herself / themselves
låta
to let, allow
algoritmen
the algorithm
integrera
to integrate
Questions & Answers about Algoritmen låter sig inte integreras.
How does låter sig translate to "cannot be" in this sentence?
The verb låta means "to let" or "to allow", so låter sig literally means "allows itself". Combined with inte, the phrase means "does not allow itself". In Swedish, this låta sig construction is a very common, idiomatic way to express that something is completely impossible to do. It almost always translates to "cannot be" in English.
Why is the verb integreras ending in an -s here?
It is in the s-passive infinitive form. When using the låta sig construction, the main verb takes the passive -s ending because the subject (the algorithm) is receiving the action, not performing it. Literally, the sentence reads: "The algorithm does not allow itself to be integrated."
Why is inte placed after sig instead of before it?
In Swedish main clauses, reflexive pronouns like sig generally come before the sentence adverb inte. Therefore, it is always låter sig inte. However, remember that if this were a subordinate clause, the rule changes and inte comes before the conjugated verb: Jag vet att algoritmen inte låter sig integreras.
Could I just use kan inte instead of this construction?
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