Grammar: Impersonal Constructions

Grammar: Impersonal Constructions

Impersonal Construction

• Impersonal constructions are used in Russian when the action relates to no specific person. The subject in these sentences is impersonal.
• Examples of impersonal verbs are важно (it’s important), можно (one may), нужно (one must), нравится (to like).
• When using impersonal verbs, the verb is always used in the 3rd person singular form.

Impersonal Constructions with an Infinitive

• Often an infinitive follows the impersonal verb.
• When the impersonal construction is used with an infinitive, the sentence usually translates with “it”, or “one”, or the passive voice in English.
• For example, Можно позвонить в полицию is translated as “One can call the police” or “It is possible to call the police.”

Impersonal Constructions with Nouns

• An impersonal construction can also be followed by a noun in the Dative case.
• The impersonal construction is used more often with abstract nouns related to feelings or mental state.
• Examples include стыдно (it’s embarrassing), жаль (it’s a pity), не приятно (it’s not pleasant).

Verbs of the Weather

• The verbs of weather are also impersonal, as they usually occur or are experienced in general, not by a particular individual.
• Examples are идет дождь (it is raining), светит солнце (the sun is shining), снег идет (it is snowing).

Remember: The subtle usage of impersonal constructions greatly broadens the expressiveness of the Russian language. Practice to ensure you have a firm grasp of this concept.