Question 1

Why is it Η δοκιμή and not Το δοκιμή?

Accepted Answer

Because δοκιμή is a feminine noun in Greek. Feminine singular nominative nouns typically take the article η (Η δοκιμή = the test/trial).  
Το is the neuter singular article, used with neuter nouns (e.g., το εργαστήριο).

Question 2

What case is Η δοκιμή in, and why?

Accepted Answer

It’s in the nominative case, because it’s the subject of the verb είναι (is). In Greek, the subject of a sentence is normally nominative.

Question 3

Why does στο εργαστήριο combine into one word?

Accepted Answer

στο is a common contraction of σε + το:  
- σε = in/at/to  
- το = the (neuter)  
So σε το εργαστήριο becomes στο εργαστήριο (in the lab / at the lab).

Question 4

Why is it εργαστήριο (neuter)? How can I tell?

Accepted Answer

εργαστήριο is a neuter noun. A common clue is that many neuter nouns end in -ο (like το βιβλίο, το παιδί, το εργαστήριο). It’s not a foolproof rule, but it’s a strong pattern.

Question 5

Does στο εργαστήριο mean “in the lab” or “to the lab”?

Accepted Answer

It can mean either depending on context, because σε covers in/at/to.  
In this sentence, it most naturally means “in the lab” because the sentence describes where the test is happening/located: Η δοκιμή στο εργαστήριο... = The test in the lab...

Question 6

Why are the adjectives μικρή and σημαντική feminine?

Accepted Answer

Adjectives in Greek must agree with the noun they describe in gender, number, and case. Since δοκιμή is feminine singular nominative, the adjectives are also feminine singular nominative:  
- μικρή = small (feminine)  
- σημαντική = important/significant (feminine)

Question 7

Why is there no second είναι after αλλά?

Accepted Answer

Greek often omits repeated verbs when they are understood from context, just like English:  
- The test is small but (it is) important.  
So είναι is only stated once, but it applies to both adjectives.

Question 8

What role does αλλά play here?

Accepted Answer

αλλά means “but” and connects two contrasting descriptions: small vs important.  
Greek punctuation often places a comma before αλλά, as in this sentence.

Question 9

Is σημαντική “important” or “significant”? Which is better?

Accepted Answer

σημαντικός/σημαντική/σημαντικό can mean important, significant, meaningful, or notable, depending on context.  
In a lab/science context, significant may fit well; in everyday speech, important is often the default.

Question 10

Could the sentence be rearranged, and would it still be correct?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Greek word order is relatively flexible because endings show grammatical roles. For example:  
- Η δοκιμή είναι μικρή, αλλά σημαντική, στο εργαστήριο. (emphasis changes)  
- Μικρή αλλά σημαντική είναι η δοκιμή στο εργαστήριο. (more emphasis on the adjectives)  
Your original word order is very natural.

Question 11

Why is there a comma before αλλά?

Accepted Answer

In Greek, it’s standard to use a comma before αλλά when it introduces a contrast, similar to English. It helps the reader separate the two parts of the sentence.

Question 12

Does μικρή refer to physical size or something else?

Accepted Answer

It can refer to physical size (a small test setup), duration (a short test), or scope/scale (a minor test), depending on context. Greek μικρός/μικρή works like English small in that it can be literal or metaphorical.

Η δοκιμή στο εργαστήριο είναι μικρή, αλλά σημαντική.

Breakdown of Η δοκιμή στο εργαστήριο είναι μικρή, αλλά σημαντική.

Questions & Answers about Η δοκιμή στο εργαστήριο είναι μικρή, αλλά σημαντική.

More from this lesson

Master Greek — from Η δοκιμή στο εργαστήριο είναι μικρή, αλλά σημαντική to fluency