Breakdown of Мой компьютер используется для работы.
мой
my
работа
the work
для
for
компьютер
the computer
использоваться
to use
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Questions & Answers about Мой компьютер используется для работы.
What is the role of the verb form используется in this sentence?
Используется is the third person singular present tense form of the reflexive verb использоваться, which is used to form the passive voice in Russian. This construction indicates that the computer is not actively doing anything—it is simply the recipient of the action. In this case, it means “is used” rather than “uses.”
Why does the sentence use the reflexive form используется instead of a non-reflexive form like использует?
Russian often expresses the passive voice using reflexive verbs. The non-reflexive verb использует would mean “uses” (implying that the computer is actively using something), whereas используется shows that the computer itself is being used by someone or something. It shifts the focus away from the agent (whoever is doing the using) and onto the computer’s state of being used.
What is the function of the preposition для in this sentence, and why is работы in a specific form?
The preposition для means “for” and is always followed by a noun in the genitive case in Russian. Here, работы is the genitive singular form of работа (“work” or “job”). So, для работы translates as “for work,” clearly indicating the purpose for which the computer is used.
What case is Мой компьютер in, and how do the adjective and noun agree with each other?
Мой компьютер is in the nominative case because it functions as the subject of the sentence. The possessive pronoun мой is in the masculine singular nominative form, matching the noun компьютер, which is also masculine singular nominative. In Russian, adjectives and pronouns agree with the noun they modify in gender, number, and case.
How does this passive construction compare to an active sentence like Я использую мой компьютер для работы?
In the passive sentence Мой компьютер используется для работы, the focus is on the state of the computer being used, and the agent of the action is not mentioned. By contrast, the active sentence Я использую мой компьютер для работы identifies the subject (Я, “I”) who is performing the action. The passive construction is useful when the doer is either unknown, unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the role or condition of the object rather than the doer.
Can the sentence structure be rearranged without changing the meaning, and if so, how?
Yes, Russian word order is quite flexible. For example, you could say Для работы используется мой компьютер. The meaning remains “My computer is used for work,” but changing the order can subtly shift the emphasis—placing Для работы at the beginning highlights the purpose.