Χρειάζομαι μια ουσιαστική απάντηση και όχι μόνο ένα «ίσως».

and

Breakdown of Χρειάζομαι μια ουσιαστική απάντηση και όχι μόνο ένα «ίσως».

• όχι: not
• χρειάζομαι: to need
• ένα: one

Questions & Answers about Χρειάζομαι μια ουσιαστική απάντηση και όχι μόνο ένα «ίσως».

Why does Χρειάζομαι end in -μαι if the meaning is active?

Because χρειάζομαι is a verb that uses middle/passive-looking endings but has an active meaning. So Χρειάζομαι means I need, not I am needed. It is first person singular, present tense.

Why is it μια ουσιαστική απάντηση?

Because απάντηση is a feminine singular noun, and after χρειάζομαι the thing needed is the direct object. So the article and adjective have to agree with the noun:

• μια = feminine singular
• ουσιαστική = feminine singular
• απάντηση = feminine singular

In Greek, article + adjective + noun agreement is very important.

Does ουσιαστική here have anything to do with ουσιαστικό, the grammar word for noun?

It is related in form, but not in meaning here. In this sentence, ουσιαστική means substantial, meaningful, real, or to the point. So μια ουσιαστική απάντηση means a substantive / meaningful answer, not anything connected to grammar.

Why is it μια and not μία?