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Questions & Answers about Іспит важливий.
Why is there no word equivalent to “is” in the sentence Іспит важливий.?
In Ukrainian, the present tense of the verb “to be” (бути) is usually omitted. This means that although in English we say “The exam is important,” in Ukrainian the linking verb isn’t necessary, so Іспит важливий. naturally conveys the same meaning.
How do the noun Іспит and the adjective важливий agree with each other in this sentence?
Both Іспит and важливий are in the masculine singular nominative form. In Ukrainian, adjectives must agree with the nouns they modify in gender, number, and case. Since Іспит is masculine singular, важливий takes the corresponding form.
Why isn’t there an article like “the” before Іспит?
Ukrainian does not use articles at all. Unlike English, where we have “the exam,” Ukrainian simply states Іспит важливий. without an article, and the meaning is understood from context.
What is the significance of the word order in Іспит важливий., and how does it compare to English?
The sentence follows a subject–predicate structure, where Іспит is the subject and важливий is the predicate adjective. Although English requires the copula “is” to link the subject with the adjective (“The exam is important”), Ukrainian omits this verb in the present tense. Despite this, the order clearly indicates what is being described.
How can I tell that Іспит is in the nominative case in this sentence?
Since Іспит functions as the subject of the sentence, it appears in the nominative case by default. Ukrainian relies on word order and inflection to express grammatical roles, so when a noun is positioned as the subject without any additional markings, it is understood to be in the nominative case.