Question 1

What exactly does därigenom replace in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

därigenom translates to 'thereby' and is a formal way to combine the preposition igenom (through) with a pronoun. Instead of writing genom detta (through this) to refer to the fact that the researcher defended the argument, academic Swedish uses därigenom for a more concise, formal tone.

Question 2

Why is vilket used here instead of som for 'which'?

Accepted Answer

While som is the most common word for 'which' or 'that', it is primarily used to refer back to a specific noun. Here, 'which' refers to the entire preceding event (the successful defense of the argument). When referring back to a whole clause, you must use vilket.

Question 3

Why is därigenom placed before the verb räddade?

Accepted Answer

The second part of the sentence is a subordinate relative clause introduced by vilket. In Swedish subordinate clauses, sentence adverbs must be placed before the finite verb (this is often taught as the BIFF-rule). därigenom functions as a sentence adverb here, so it goes before räddade.

Question 4

lyckades ends in an -s. Is this a passive verb form?

Accepted Answer

No, lyckas is a deponent verb, meaning it always has an -s ending but carries an active meaning ('to manage to' or 'to succeed'). Here it is used in the past tense (lyckades) and is followed directly by the infinitive försvara without needing the word att.

Forskaren lyckades försvara argumentet, vilket därigenom räddade resultatet.

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