🗺️Prepositions and Cases
Understanding the Instrumental Case for Means and Tools in Russian
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What is the Russian Instrumental Case?
In Russian, the Instrumental Case is used to indicate the instrument, tool, or means by which an action is completed. It answers the questions "how?" with what?" and "by means of what?"
Forming the Instrumental Case
The formation of the Instrumental Case depends on the gender and number of the noun. Here's how to form it:
- Masculine singular: usually adds -ом or -ем
- Feminine singular: usually adds -ой or -ей
- Neuter singular: similar to masculine in transformations
- Plural for all genders: typically gets -ами or -ями
Using the Instrumental Case for Means and Tools
The Instrumental Case is frequently used to express how an action is performed, especially when referring to means of transport or tools employed during an activity.
Он пишет <span class="ipa">ручкой</span>.
He writes with a pen.
Она едет <span class="ipa">поездом</span>.
She travels by train.
Мы режем хлеб <span class="ipa">ножом</span>.
We cut bread with a knife.
More Examples in Context
Here are some more examples to better understand the usage of the Instrumental Case in context:
Они поехали в город <span class="ipa">автобусом</span>.
They went to the city by bus.
Он работает <span class="ipa">учителем</span>.
He works as a teacher.
Мы полетели в отпуск <span class="ipa">самолётом</span>.
We went on vacation by plane.
Further Reading
- Instrumental Case Overview
Detailed explanation of all uses of the Instrumental Case in Russian.
- Russian Cases Overview
Comprehensive guide on all Russian cases and their functions.
- Instrumental Case and Means of Transport
How to use the Instrumental Case when talking about transport.