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Questions & Answers about Петро відомий.
Why is there no word for "is" in the sentence "Петро відомий"?
In Ukrainian, the present tense form of the verb "to be" is typically omitted. So, while in English we say "Petro is famous," in Ukrainian the linking verb is left out, making the sentence more concise.
How does the adjective "відомий" agree with the subject "Петро"?
"відомий" is a masculine singular adjective, which agrees with "Петро" (a masculine proper noun). This agreement in gender and number is a key aspect of Ukrainian grammar.
What is the literal translation of "Петро відомий"?
The sentence literally means "Petro is famous" or "Petro is well-known." Even though the meaning is clear, the sentence structure is an example of how Ukrainian omits the present tense verb "to be."
Is it common in Ukrainian to drop the linking verb in the present tense, and why?
Yes, omitting the linking verb in the present tense is common in Ukrainian. This linguistic feature streamlines sentence construction, and the context along with the adjective itself indicate the state or quality being described.
Does the word order in "Петро відомий" differ significantly from English, and what should learners note?
While the word order is similar—subject followed by predicate—learners should note that in Ukrainian there is no explicit copula ("is"). Understanding this difference helps in recognizing that adjectives directly serve as predicates without needing a linking verb.