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Questions & Answers about Это древний мост.
Why is there no explicit verb like is in the sentence Это древний мост?
In Russian, the present tense of the verb быть (“to be”) is typically omitted. Therefore, instead of saying “This is an ancient bridge,” you simply say Это древний мост.
What does the word Это mean and how is it used in this sentence?
Это functions as a demonstrative pronoun meaning this or it is. It introduces or identifies the noun that follows, setting up the predicate without the need for an explicit copula.
Why is the adjective древний placed before the noun мост?
Russian typically places adjectives before the noun they modify, much like in English with “ancient bridge.” In this sentence, древний comes before мост to directly describe it.
How does the adjective древний agree with the noun мост grammatically?
In Russian, adjectives must agree with the noun they modify in gender, number, and case. Since мост is a masculine, singular noun in the nominative case, древний is also in the masculine singular nominative form.
How can I tell that мост is a masculine noun?
Nouns in Russian often indicate their gender through their endings and by convention. Мост ends in a consonant and is recognized as a masculine noun, which means any modifying adjectives must adopt the masculine form.
Would it be correct to include a verb like есть in this sentence (i.e., say Это есть древний мост)?
Although есть (the present tense form of быть) can be used for emphasis or clarification in some contexts, it is generally omitted in simple, present-tense statements. Therefore, Это древний мост is both natural and correct without it.