Questions & Answers about Тебе следует отдохнуть после долгого дня.
Why is тебе in the dative case?
Because следует is an impersonal modal verb that requires its “subject”—the person who should do something—in the dative. Literally it means “to you it is advisable…”
What does следует mean, and can I think of it as an auxiliary verb?
Следует is an impersonal verb meaning “it is advisable/necessary” or simply “should.” It isn’t an auxiliary in a technical sense, but it functions like a modal: you pair it with an infinitive to express advice or mild obligation.
Why is the verb отдохнуть in the infinitive form?
After impersonal modals like следует, the main action is always an infinitive. Here отдохнуть (“to rest” in perfective) tells you what you should do.
Why is the perfective aspect отдохнуть used rather than the imperfective отдыхать?
Perfective verbs highlight completion of an action. Since the speaker wants you to “take a (complete) rest” after a long day, отдохнуть is more appropriate. The imperfective отдыхать would stress the ongoing process rather than achieving a restful state.
Why does после take долгого дня in the genitive case?