Learn Hardcore Russian: Преподавание грамматики — интересная работа.

Преподавание is a verbal noun (отглагольное существительное) derived from the verb преподавать (to teach). It uses the suffix -ние to turn the action of teaching into a noun meaning “the act/process of teaching.”

Why is there no explicit verb “to be” in this sentence?

In Russian, the present-tense form of быть (to be) is usually omitted. Instead, a dash — often replaces the missing “is,” linking the subject and its predicate.

Why is грамматики in the genitive case instead of the accusative?

With verbal nouns ending in -ние, the object is put in the genitive case. So грамматики (genitive) means “of grammar,” showing what is being taught.

How do we know that интересная agrees with работа, and why is it in the nominative feminine singular?

Работа is a feminine noun in the nominative singular. Russian adjectives must match the noun’s gender, number, and case. Therefore, интересная is also nominative feminine singular.

Could I say Преподавание грамматики это интересная работа without the dash?

You need the dash before это, so the correct form is Преподавание грамматики — это интересная работа. Omitting both the dash and это in this structure would be ungrammatical.

What’s the difference between преподавать and учить when talking about teaching?

Преподавать refers to the professional act of teaching (teachers, professors), and its noun form is преподавание. Учить can mean “to teach” in a more general or informal sense or “to learn.” For “teach grammar” in a school context, use преподавать грамматику.

Can the sentence be inverted to Интересная работа — преподавание грамматики?

Yes. Inverting it emphasizes “interesting work” as the theme. The dash still links the two nouns, and the meaning (“Interesting work is teaching grammar”) stays the same.