Learn Hardcore Russian: Я использую сковороду для жарки яиц.

In Russian, many feminine nouns of the first declension change their ending in the accusative case. Although сковорода is the nominative form, when used as the direct object (in this case, the pan you use), it takes the accusative singular ending -у, becoming сковороду.

What case are жарки and яиц in, and why are they used here?

The preposition для always requires that the noun or noun phrase following it is in the genitive case. Here, жарки is the genitive singular form of жарка (meaning “frying”), and яиц is the genitive plural of яйцо (meaning “egg”). This construction indicates the purpose for which the pan is used.

What does the word использую mean and why is it in that particular form?

Использую is the first-person singular present tense form of the verb использовать, which means “to use.” It shows that the speaker (Я) is performing the action. The form matches the subject and indicates a current or habitual action.

Why is the concept of “frying” expressed as жарки (a noun) instead of using an infinitive like жарить?

Using жарки creates a noun phrase that denotes the concept or process of frying. In combination with для, it naturally expresses purpose (“for frying eggs”). Although you could express the idea with an infinitive (for example, чтобы жарить яйца), the noun form emphasizes the intended use of the pan as an instrument for the activity.

Could this idea be expressed in a different sentence structure while conveying a similar meaning?

Yes, an alternative sentence is Я жарю яйца на сковороде (“I fry eggs in a pan”). This direct construction focuses on the action itself rather than the purpose for which the pan is used. The original sentence, Я использую сковороду для жарки яиц, specifically highlights that the pan is being used as a tool for frying.