Breakdown of Endera laget kan vinna pokalen idag.
idag
today
kunna
to be able to, can
vinna
to win
laget
the team
endera
either (of two)
pokalen
the trophy
Questions & Answers about Endera laget kan vinna pokalen idag.
Why does this sentence use the definite form laget instead of the indefinite lag?
In Swedish, the dual determiners endera (either), vardera (each), and ingendera (neither) must be followed by a noun in the definite form. This is different from a word like varje (every), which takes the indefinite form. So you say endera laget (either team) but varje lag (every team).
Since lag is an ett-word, shouldn't the sentence use the neuter form ettdera?
Strictly speaking, yes. The formal neuter version is ettdera laget. However, in modern Swedish, the en-word forms like endera and vardera have become heavily generalized and are very frequently used with ett-words too. You will see both, but using endera here is completely normal and widely accepted today.
Can endera be used on its own without a noun, just like 'either' in English?
Yes! Just like in English, these dual words can act as independent pronouns. If someone asks which of the two teams will win, you could simply answer Endera kan vinna (Either can win) or use it with a preposition like Endera av dem (Either of them).
Can I use endera if there are three or more teams in the tournament?
No, endera strictly means 'either of two'. If there are three or more teams playing today, you would need to use a phrase like vilket lag som helst (any team) instead of endera.
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