Learn Hardcore Turkish: Okuldaki öğrenciler sınav öncesi yoğun çalışıyor. - The students at school study intensively before the exam.

In Turkish, even when the subject is plural, the verb often appears in the third person singular form when describing a collective action. The noun “öğrenciler” already carries the plural meaning, so adding a plural suffix to the verb isn’t necessary. The sentence implies that the group of students is collectively studying intensively.

What does “okuldaki” mean and how is it formed?

“Okuldaki” is derived from “okul” (school) and the suffix “-daki,” which functions as a locative modifier. This construction indicates location or affiliation, so “okuldaki” translates to “at school” or “in the school,” specifying which students are being referred to.

How is the phrase “sınav öncesi” constructed, and what role does it play in the sentence?

“Sınav öncesi” combines “sınav” (exam) with “öncesi” (before) to form a temporal expression meaning “before the exam” or “pre-exam.” It acts as an adverbial phrase describing when the students are studying intensively.

What function does the adjective “yoğun” serve in this sentence?

In this sentence, “yoğun” qualifies the verb “çalışıyor” by explaining the manner of the action. It means “intensely” or “hard,” indicating that the students are not just studying, but doing so in a focused, intensive way.

What tense is indicated by “çalışıyor,” and how can you recognize it?

“Çalışıyor” is in the present continuous tense. In Turkish, the present continuous is formed by taking the verb root (in this case, “çalış-”) and adding the appropriate continuous suffix “-ıyor.” Even though the subject is plural, the singular verb form is used to express a collective, ongoing action.