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Questions & Answers about Мій друг надійний.
What does the sentence Мій друг надійний mean in English?
It means My friend is reliable. Notice that the linking verb (the equivalent of "is") is omitted in Ukrainian present tense but is understood.
Why is the linking verb (such as "is") not present in this sentence?
In Ukrainian, especially in the present tense, the copula is typically omitted. The absence of a linking verb is a common grammatical feature, so надійний directly functions as the predicate adjective conveying the state of the friend.
How do the words Мій, друг, and надійний agree in gender and number?
The noun друг (friend) is masculine singular. The possessive pronoun Мій (my) and the adjective надійний (reliable) are also in the masculine singular form, ensuring that all parts agree grammatically.
What case are the noun and accompanying words in, and why?
All the words in the sentence are in the nominative case. Мій друг is the subject of the sentence, and надійний acts as a predicate adjective. In Ukrainian, both the subject and its predicate complement typically appear in the nominative case.
Can the word order in this sentence be altered, and if so, what effect does that have?
Yes, word order in Ukrainian can be flexible. While Мій друг надійний follows a standard subject–predicate order, you could alternatively say Надійний мій друг to place additional emphasis on надійний (reliable). However, the default order is straightforward and typical for making a clear statement.