Breakdown of Bekymret är dock att det negativa ofta tar över.
vara
to be
ofta
often
det
the (with ett-words)
att
that
ta över
to take over
dock
however
bekymret
the trouble
negativ
negative
Questions & Answers about Bekymret är dock att det negativa ofta tar över.
How does det negativa work here without a noun following it?
This is an example of a substantivized adjective. By using the neuter definite article det and adding the definite -a ending to the adjective negativ, you turn the adjective into a noun representing an abstract concept. Instead of saying "the negative thing", you just say det negativa to mean "the negative" or "that which is negative".
Why does ofta come before the verb tar?
The phrase att det negativa ofta tar över is a subordinate clause introduced by att. In Swedish subordinate clauses, sentence adverbs like ofta, inte, and alltid must be placed before the verb. This is a classic application of the BIFF rule (I Bisats kommer Inte Före Finita verbet).
Why is the definite form bekymret instead of "bekymmeret"?
Ett bekymmer (a worry or trouble) is a neuter noun ending in an unstressed -er. When adding the definite suffix to these nouns, the -e- before the -r is dropped to make it easier to pronounce. This results in bekymret. You see the exact same pattern in words like ett fönster which becomes fönstret.
Could I put dock at the beginning of the sentence, just like "however" in English?
Yes, you can start the sentence with dock, but placing it right after the first verb of the main clause is incredibly common and natural in written Swedish. If you do start the sentence with dock, you must remember the V2 rule, meaning the verb must immediately follow it: Dock är bekymret att...
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