Learn Hardcore Russian: Я использую компьютер для работы.

Использую is the first-person singular present tense form of the verb использовать (meaning “to use”). The ending -ю indicates that the speaker is “I” and is currently doing the action.

Why is компьютер used without an article in Russian?

Russian does not have articles like English does. That’s why компьютер appears without words like “a” or “the” even though in translation you might choose one based on context.

Which case is компьютер in, and how do we know that?

Компьютер functions as the direct object of the verb использую and is in the accusative case. For inanimate masculine nouns, the accusative form is identical to the nominative form, so it looks the same as in the dictionary.

What function does the phrase для работы serve in this sentence?

The phrase для работы is a prepositional phrase where для means “for” and it indicates purpose. Работы is the noun “work” in the genitive case, which is required after для to express the idea of “for work.”

Why is the noun работа changed to работы in this context?