Yöntem iyi.

The method is good.

Breakdown of Yöntem iyi.

• olmak: to be
• iyi: good
• yöntem: the method

Questions & Answers about Yöntem iyi.

Why is the linking verb “is” missing in the sentence “Yöntem iyi.”?

In Turkish, the present tense of the copula (the “to be” verb) is generally omitted. So although English requires “The method is good,” Turkish simply presents “Yöntem iyi” to express the same idea.

Why isn’t there an article like “the” before “yöntem” in this sentence?

Turkish does not have definite or indefinite articles. The noun “yöntem” can mean either “method” or “the method” depending on the context, so no extra word is needed to indicate “the.”

What is the basic structure of the sentence “Yöntem iyi.”?

The sentence consists of a subject and a predicate adjective. “Yöntem” is the subject and “iyi” is the predicate adjective describing the subject. The linking verb is understood rather than explicitly stated.

How does the sentence “Yöntem iyi.” compare to an attributive phrase like “iyi yöntem”?

“İyi yöntem” is an attributive phrase where the adjective “iyi” directly modifies the noun “yöntem,” meaning “good method.” In contrast, “Yöntem iyi.” is a complete predicative sentence that states “The method is good,” with the adjective acting as a predicate rather than as an immediate modifier.

Do adjectives in Turkish change form based on the noun they describe?

No, adjectives in Turkish do not change form to agree with the noun’s number, gender, or definiteness. “İyi” remains the same whether it describes “yöntem” or another noun.

Can the order of words in a Turkish sentence like “Yöntem iyi.” be altered for emphasis?

Yes, Turkish word order is relatively flexible. However, in a simple state-of-being sentence such as this, the standard structure is to have the subject first followed by the predicate adjective. Changing the order can add emphasis or a different nuance, but careful attention must be paid to context and meaning.