Learn Hardcore Russian: Это важное мнение.

Это functions as a demonstrative pronoun meaning this (is). It introduces or points out the subject that follows. In English, it corresponds to “this” in the sense of “this thing” or “this one.”

Why is there no verb to be in Это важное мнение?

In Russian, the present-tense copula есть (“to be”) is normally omitted. You simply place the subject and predicate (noun or adjective) together. So Это важное мнение literally reads “This important opinion,” but is understood as “This is an important opinion.”

Why is мнение neuter and how can I tell?

Nouns ending in -ие are typically neuter in Russian. Gender affects adjective and pronoun agreement, so knowing the noun ending helps you choose the correct forms.

Why is the adjective важное ending in -ое instead of -ый (as in важный)?

Adjectives must agree with the gender, number, and case of the nouns they modify. Since мнение is neuter singular nominative, we use the neuter ending -ое, giving важное. The masculine form важный would be incorrect here.

Why aren’t there any articles (a/an or the) in Russian?