Questions & Answers about Это очень грубый ответ.
Since ответ is a masculine noun, why does the sentence start with the neuter это instead of этот?
Here, это functions as a standalone subject meaning "that is" or "this is". When used this way, it always stays in the neuter form это, regardless of the gender of the noun that follows. If you wanted to say "this answer" as a single phrase, you would use the masculine form: этот ответ.
How would the meaning change if I rearranged the sentence to Этот ответ очень грубый?
The focus shifts slightly. Это очень грубый ответ means "That is a very rude answer." By contrast, Этот ответ очень грубый means "This answer is very rude." In the first, you are identifying what the statement is; in the second, you are pointing out a specific answer and describing it.
Could I use the adverb form грубо (rudely) here instead?
Can грубый describe physical objects, or is it only for behavior?
It is used for both! Besides meaning "rude" or "harsh" when applied to people or words, грубый means "rough" or "coarse" physically. For example, грубая ткань is coarse fabric. It is also used for rough or glaring concepts, such as грубая ошибка (a gross mistake).
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