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Questions & Answers about Matematik sınav kolay.
Why is the verb "to be" omitted in the sentence Matematik sınav kolay.?
In Turkish, the copula (the equivalent of "is") is often dropped in the present tense. The predicate adjective "kolay" directly describes the subject, so the meaning "The math exam is easy" is understood even though no explicit verb appears.
How does "matematik" function in this sentence, and why does it remain unchanged when modifying "sınav"?
In this construction, "matematik" functions like an adjectival modifier that specifies the type of exam. Turkish commonly uses nouns in their base form as modifiers without additional possessive or genitive markings—thus "matematik sınav" clearly means "math exam."
Why aren’t there any articles like "a" or "the" before "sınav"?
Turkish does not have articles. Definiteness or indefiniteness is determined through context rather than by using separate words. This is why the sentence simply states "Matematik sınav kolay."
Why is "kolay" placed after "sınav" instead of before it?
When forming a statement in Turkish that uses a predicate adjective, the adjective follows the subject. Since "kolay" describes the state of the exam, it comes after "sınav"—a structure that differs from attributive adjectives, which would normally precede the noun.
Is it acceptable to include the copula explicitly—for example, saying Matematik sınav kolaydır—and what difference does it make?
Yes, adding the suffix "-dır" to form "kolaydır" is grammatically correct. It explicitly marks the copula, but in everyday Turkish the zero-copula (omitting "-dır") is common. Both versions convey that "The math exam is easy."