Breakdown of Эта программа используется в школе.
это
this
школа
the school
в
in
программа
the program
использоваться
to be used
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Questions & Answers about Эта программа используется в школе.
What does the reflexive ending -ся in используется signify, and why is it used in this sentence?
The ending -ся is used to form the passive voice in Russian. In используется, it indicates that the subject (эта программа) is receiving the action rather than doing it. Essentially, it translates to “is used,” showing that the program is acted upon without specifying who uses it.
Why isn’t there a separate verb for is like in the English sentence “This program is used in school”?
In Russian, the linking verb “to be” in the present tense is typically omitted. The form используется already conveys the complete meaning, so no extra word equivalent to is is needed. This is standard practice when describing states or actions in the present.
What case is школе in the phrase в школе, and why is that case used?
The noun школе is in the prepositional case. When the preposition в indicates location—meaning “in” or “at”—the noun that follows is put in the prepositional case. Thus, школа becomes школе.
Why is эта программа in the nominative case in this sentence?
Эта программа is in the nominative case because it functions as the subject of the sentence. In Russian, subjects are typically expressed in the nominative, which is why both the demonstrative эта and the noun программа take this case.
Can the sentence be rearranged without changing its meaning?
Yes, the sentence can be rephrased while retaining the same meaning. For example, В школе используется эта программа emphasizes the location first, but it still means “This program is used in school.” Reordering phrases in Russian is common for stylistic reasons, provided the grammatical cases remain correct.