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Questions & Answers about Петро грає гру з другом.
Why is "Петро" unchanged in this sentence, while in English we sometimes modify names?
"Петро" is a proper noun used as the subject in its nominative form. In Ukrainian, proper nouns remain unchanged in the nominative case. They only change when placed in another case, for example, when indicating possession or direction.
How is the sentence structured in terms of subject, verb, and objects?
The sentence follows a typical subject–verb–object pattern. "Петро" is the subject (nominative), "грає" is the verb (third person singular present form of "грати"), and "гру" is the direct object (accusative). Additionally, "з другом" is a prepositional phrase where "з" (with) governs the instrumental case, indicating accompaniment.
What does the verb form "грає" tell us about the action?
"Грає" is the present tense, third person singular form of the verb "грати" (to play). It indicates that Petro is currently engaged in the action of playing. Ukrainian verbs are conjugated according to person, number, and tense, and this form corresponds precisely to a single subject acting in the present.
Why is the noun "гра" changed to "гру" in this sentence?
In Ukrainian, the direct object of a verb is typically put into the accusative case. The noun "гра" (game) becomes "гру" in the accusative. This change in the ending is due to Ukrainian noun declension rules for feminine nouns, marking it as the object of the action.
How does the preposition "з" work in this sentence and why is "друг" modified to "другом"?
The preposition "з" means "with" and requires the following noun to be in the instrumental case. Therefore, "друг" (friend) changes to "другом" to reflect that it is in the instrumental. This construction shows that Petro is playing a game with his friend.