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Questions & Answers about Петро відповідальний.
Why is there no equivalent of the verb “to be” (is) in the sentence "Петро відповідальний."?
In Ukrainian, the present tense of the verb “to be” (є) is usually omitted. The state or characteristic is expressed without an explicit linking verb, making the sentence both concise and natural.
How does the adjective відповідальний agree with the subject Петро?
The adjective відповідальний is in the masculine singular form, which matches the gender and number of Петро. This agreement is essential in Ukrainian, as adjectives must conform to the noun they describe.
Is there any difference in meaning if the sentence were written with the verb “є” as in "Петро є відповідальний"?
No, there is no change in meaning. Including є would be grammatically correct, but it is generally omitted in the present tense. Both versions convey that “Petro is responsible.”
What is the grammatical role of відповідальний in the sentence "Петро відповідальний."?
Відповідальний functions as a predicate adjective. It provides a characteristic of the subject Петро, describing his state or quality without needing a separate verb.
How strict is the word order in Ukrainian for such sentences, and could it be rearranged without changing the meaning?
Ukrainian typically exhibits flexible word order. Although the standard order is subject–predicate as in "Петро відповідальний," rearranging the sentence can be done for emphasis or stylistic reasons without fundamentally changing the meaning.