Learn Hardcore Turkish: Planlamak önemli.

Planlamak is the infinitive form of the verb "to plan." In this sentence, it functions as a noun—a gerund-like subject—so it essentially means planning. This use of an infinitive as a subject is common in Turkish.

Why does the sentence not include a linking verb equivalent to “is” as in English?

Turkish often omits the copula (the equivalent of “is”) in the present simple. In Planlamak önemli, the meaning “Planning is important” is fully conveyed without an explicit “is.” The structure relies on context and word order to imply the copula.

How does the word order in Planlamak önemli convey its meaning?

Turkish typically places the subject before the predicate in simple declarative sentences. Here, planlamak (the subject) comes first, followed by önemli (the predicate adjective). This order clearly indicates that the act of planning is being described as important.

Is it common in Turkish to use an infinitive as the subject of a sentence?

Yes, it is quite common. In Turkish, the infinitive form of a verb can serve as a noun to refer to an activity or an abstract concept. In this case, planlamak is used just like the English gerund “planning,” denoting the activity in a general, abstract sense.

How is the adjective önemli functioning in this sentence?

Önemli is an adjective that describes the subject planlamak. In Turkish, adjectives used in the predicate position do not require a linking verb or additional inflections in the present simple. They directly state a property or quality of the subject—in this case, that planning is important.