Learn Hardcore Ukrainian: Петро робить ремонт, щоб його будинок був чистим. - Petro does repairs so that his house is clean.

It introduces a subordinate purpose clause, functioning much like “so that” or “in order that” in English. It shows that Petro’s action of doing repairs is aimed at achieving a clean house.

Why is the verb був (“was”) used in the subordinate clause instead of a present tense verb like “is”?

In Ukrainian, when expressing a purpose or desired outcome with щоб, the verb in the subordinate clause often appears in the past tense. This construction is similar to a subjunctive mood in English, indicating a goal or intended state rather than describing a factual past event.

Why is the adjective чистим in the instrumental case?

When using the verb бути (to be) in past or future contexts in Ukrainian, predicate adjectives usually take the instrumental case. Here, чистим is the instrumental form of чистий, which is used to describe the state or condition that Petro wants his house to be in.

Why is there a comma before щоб in the sentence?

The comma separates the main clause (Петро робить ремонт) from the subordinate clause (щоб його будинок був чистим). This punctuation rule helps clarify the relationship between the two parts of the sentence, indicating that the latter explains the purpose of the former.

What does the phrase робить ремонт imply—does it refer to major renovations, minor repairs, or both?

The phrase робить ремонт generally means “to do repairs” or “to renovate.” Its scope can vary with context—it might imply minor fixes or a comprehensive renovation. In this sentence, its purpose (to make the house clean) could suggest a level of work that ensures the overall upkeep and cleanliness of the house.

What is the role of його in this sentence?

Його is a possessive pronoun meaning “his.” It clarifies that the house being referred to is Petro’s own, emphasizing the connection between Petro’s actions and the condition of his property.