Questions & Answers about Umjesto auta, idemo preko mosta pješice; to je sigurno.
Why is it auta after Umjesto?
Because the preposition umjesto (instead of) governs the genitive case. The noun auto (car) is neuter with genitive singular auta. So Umjesto auta literally means “instead of a/the car.”
Could I say Umjesto automobila instead of Umjesto auta?
Yes. Automobil is the more formal/neutral word for “car,” with genitive automobila. Umjesto auta sounds a bit more casual; Umjesto automobila is perfectly standard and a touch more formal.
Does preko always take the genitive? Is preko mosta correct?
Yes, preko (across/over/via) always takes the genitive: preko mosta (across the bridge), preko ulice (across the street), preko parka (across the park). Don’t use instrumental after preko.
Then what about mostom—can I say idemo mostom?
Yes. Ići mostom (instrumental: “go via/by way of the bridge”) is also idiomatic. The nuance: preko mosta emphasizes crossing to the other side; mostom focuses on the route being the bridge. In most contexts they’re interchangeable.
What part of speech is pješice? Do I need a preposition like “na”?