Instrumental Agent with a Verbal Noun
In formal Ukrainian, when a verb becomes a noun (like 'execution' from 'execute'), the person doing the action is put into the instrumental case.
How It Works
The Instrumental of the Agent (агентивний детермінант) is a hallmark of Ukrainian official and scientific styles. When an action is expressed as a noun, the sentence structure changes:
- The Action becomes a verbal noun (e.g., виконання — execution) or a zero-suffix noun (e.g., аналіз — analysis, огляд — inspection).
- The Object of the action moves to the genitive case (e.g., доповіді — of the report).
- The Agent (the doer) moves to the instrumental case (e.g., комісією — by the commission).
The Genitive Slot Rule: The instrumental is used for the agent specifically to avoid ambiguity when the genitive case is already occupied by the object. This typically occurs with transitive verbs. If there is no object or the verb is intransitive, the agent remains in the genitive (e.g., сон дитини — the child's sleep, виступ депутата — the deputy's speech). However, відвідування виставки депутатом (visiting of the exhibition by the deputy) uses the instrumental to clarify that the deputy is the visitor, not the object being visited.
While grammatically correct, this pattern can lead to chains of verbal nouns, which makes text feel heavy. In casual speech, Ukrainians prefer active verbs, and learners should use them to become confident with the language's natural flow.
Examples (4)
- Виконання плану робітниками було завершене вчасно.
The execution of the plan by the workers was completed on time.
Word by Word: Execution [of] plan [by] workers was completed on time.
'Робітниками' is in the instrumental case, identifying them as the ones who executed the plan.
- Прийняття закону парламентом викликало дискусії.
The adoption of the law by parliament sparked discussions.
Word by Word: Adoption [of] law [by] parliament caused discussions.
'Парламентом' (instrumental) shows who performed the 'прийняття' (adoption).
- Опрацювання даних дослідником тривало два місяці.
The processing of the data by the researcher lasted two months.
Word by Word: Processing [of] data [by] researcher lasted two months.
'Дослідником' is the agent in the instrumental case, while 'даних' is the object in the genitive.
- Підписання договору директором відбудеться завтра.
The signing of the contract by the director will take place tomorrow.
Word by Word: Signing [of] contract [by] director will happen tomorrow.
Using the instrumental 'директором' clarifies that the director is the one signing, not the one being signed.
Common Mistakes
Using the genitive case for the agent, which creates ambiguity.
Розгляд справи судді затягнувся.Розгляд справи суддею затягнувся.'Розгляд справи судді' sounds like the judge's own personal case is being reviewed. 'Суддею' (instrumental) clarifies the judge is the one reviewing the case.
Using the accusative case for the object after a verbal noun.
Виконання план робітниками.Виконання плану робітниками.Even when an agent is present in the instrumental, the object of a verbal noun must always be in the genitive (плану), not the accusative (план).
How It Connects
Learn This First
To understand how to express an agent with a verbal noun, you first need to know how to form verbal nouns (nominalizations) and be familiar with the instrumental case endings. It is also helpful to understand how verbal nouns typically govern objects in the genitive case so you can correctly identify the agent versus the object of the action.
- -ння/-ттяVerbal Noun in -ння and -ття
This pattern describes how to express the agent specifically when using a verbal noun (nominalization).
Level 4 - Instrumental Means
Understanding the basic forms and functions of the instrumental case is necessary before applying it to the role of an agent in formal nominal constructions.
Level 2 - Genitive Possession
Verbal nouns typically take a genitive object (e.g., 'підписання договору'); understanding this structure is essential to distinguish the object from the instrumental agent.
Level 2
Related Patterns
- -ння + GenitiveVerbal Noun in -ння with Genitive Object
Explains how the object of the action is handled alongside the agent.
Level 5 - Passive participle with instrumental agent
A similar construction where the instrumental case marks the agent of a passive participle.
Level 5 - Chains of Verbal Nouns
Discusses the stylistic consequences of using too many verbal nouns and agents in one sentence.
Level 6 - Register Contrast in Nominalization
Provides strategies to simplify these heavy formal constructions into active sentences.
Level 4
Practice Instrumental Agent with a Verbal Noun in Bubblegum
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