Breakdown of По мере того как люди взрослеют, они накапливают мудрость.
они
they
люди
people
по мере того как
as
взрослеть
to mature
накапливать
to accumulate
мудрость
wisdom
Questions & Answers about По мере того как люди взрослеют, они накапливают мудрость.
Does a comma ever split the phrase по мере того как?
In this sentence, the phrase По мере того как is at the very beginning, so it is not split by a comma; the comma simply marks the end of the subordinate clause after взрослеют. However, if this clause came second (e.g., Они накапливают мудрость по мере того, как...), the comma usually splits the conjunction right before как.
Why are both verbs (взрослеют and накапливают) in the imperfective aspect?
По мере того как describes a gradual, proportional progression (as one thing happens, another happens). Because this inherently implies continuous, simultaneous, and ongoing processes, imperfective verbs are almost always used in both halves of the sentence.
The English translation says "grow older," but doesn't взрослеть mean "to grow up"?
Yes, взрослеть literally means "to become an adult" or "to mature" (from взрослый, meaning adult). While English often says "grow older" in this context, using стареть (to grow old / to age) in Russian would sound a bit too focused on physical decline. Взрослеть perfectly captures the idea of gaining life experience and maturity.
Why doesn't the ending of мудрость change if it is the direct object?
Мудрость is a feminine noun ending in a soft sign (like ночь or тетрадь). These "3rd declension" nouns have identical forms for the nominative and accusative cases. So, even though it is the direct object here in the accusative case, it looks exactly like its dictionary form.
Learn По мере того как люди взрослеют, они накапливают мудрость and more in Russian
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.
- ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
- ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
- ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free