and
ptc. pret., much as in modern English.
189. The historical present is much used, often alternating
abruptly with the preterite.
190. The middle voice is used: (1) in a purely reflexive sense:
_spara_ 'spare,' _sparask_ 'spare oneself, reserve one's
strength.' (2) intransitively: _b?«a_ 'prepare,' _b?«ask_ 'become
ready, be ready'; _s?™tja_ 'set,' _s?™tjask_ 'sit down'; _s??na_
'show,' _s??nask_ 'appear, seem.' (3) reciprocally: _b?™rja_
'strike,' _b?™rjask_ 'fight'; _hitta_, 'find,' _hittask_ 'meet.'
In other cases it specializes the meaning of the verb, often
emphasizing the idea of energy or effort: _koma_ 'come,' _komask_
'make one's way.'
191. The impersonal form of expression is widely used in
Icelandic: _rak ?? storm_ (acc.) _fyrir ??eim_ 'a storm was driven
in their face.'
192. The indef. 'one' is expressed in the same way by the third
pers. sg., and this form of expression is often used when the
subject is perfectly definite: _ok freista skal ??essar ?«??r??ttar_
'and this feat shall be tried (by you).
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