Clauses Without an Ordinary Personal Subject

Level 5

Expressions such as φαίνεται, χρειάζεται and πρέπει can introduce a clause without an ordinary noun subject.

How It Works

Expressions such as φαίνεται, χρειάζεται and πρέπει can introduce a clause without an ordinary noun subject.

The matrix verb commonly stays third-person singular while the embedded verb identifies the participant. Individual verbs also have personal uses, so do not treat every occurrence as impersonal.

GreekMeaning
Φαίνεται ότι βρέχει.It seems that it is raining.
Χρειάζεται να περιμένουμε.We need to wait.
Πρέπει να φύγεις.You must leave.

Examples (3)

  1. Φαίνεται ότι βρέχει.

    It seems that it is raining.

  2. Χρειάζεται να περιμένουμε.

    We need to wait.

  3. Πρέπει να φύγεις.

    You must leave.

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

Clauses Without an Ordinary Personal SubjectLevel 5

Learn This First

Recognize a finite να-clause and its own subject before adding a governing expression or negative.

Words in This Pattern

φαίνομαιχρειάζομαιπρέπειότι