Naming and the zero present-tense copula
Russian normally omits present-tense быть 'to be' between a subject and a noun predicate.
- Это дом means 'This is a house'. Я студе́нт means 'I am a student'. Both дом and студе́нт are nominative because the second noun identifies or classifies the first in a present-tense statement.
- Later contrast: Past and future classification commonly use instrumental: Он был врачо́м. That pattern belongs to 2.11; do not replace the present form Он врач.
| Pattern | Russian | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| э́то + noun | Э́то кни́га. | This is a book. |
| subject + noun | Она́ врач. | She is a doctor. |
| place + dash + noun | Москва́ - столи́ца Росси́и. | Moscow is the capital of Russia. |
Mini-check
1. Complete without an overt verb: Она́ ___ (teacher). 2. Identify the noun predicate: Москва́ - столи́ца.
Apply this next
- Retrieve the rule without looking, then continue to the next lesson.