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Questions & Answers about Kanun herkes için eşit.
Why is there no verb like "is" in the sentence Kanun herkes için eşit?
In Turkish, the present tense of to be is often omitted in simple declarative sentences. Instead of saying "The law is equal for everyone," Turkish directly joins the subject with the predicate adjective. This omission is common and perfectly natural in Turkish grammar.
What does the word kanun mean, and why doesn't it have an article like "the" in English?
Kanun means law. Turkish does not use articles such as "the" or "a/an". As a result, kanun can be understood as either law or the law depending on the context, but no article is required.
How does the phrase herkes için function in this sentence?
The phrase herkes için means "for everyone." It is a postpositional phrase where herkes means everyone and için functions like a preposition to indicate purpose or benefit. Note that in Turkish, such postpositions follow the noun they modify.
Why is the adjective eşit placed at the end of the sentence, and how does it agree with the subject?
In Turkish, predicate adjectives typically come at the end of the sentence. Here, eşit means equal and describes kanun. Unlike English adjectives, Turkish adjectives do not change to agree in number or gender with their subject—they remain in their base form regardless of the context.
What is the overall word order of Kanun herkes için eşit and why is it significant for learners?
The sentence follows the typical Turkish word order: Subject (kanun) + Modifier/Phrase (herkes için) + Predicate Adjective (eşit). This structure—especially placing the key predicate at the end—is a core feature of Turkish syntax. Understanding this order helps learners grasp how ideas are constructed and emphasized in Turkish sentences.