Adjectives after Numerals

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After 2, 3, 4, adjectives usually take the Nominative Plural. After 5 and above, they always take the Genitive Plural.

How It Works

When an adjective sits between a numeral and a noun, its form is dictated by the numeral:

  • Numerals 2, 3, 4: The adjective typically uses the Nominative Plural (e.g., два великі столи). This is the most natural form for masculine and feminine nouns. However, in official or scientific styles, the Genitive Plural is also acceptable (два великих столи). For neuter nouns, the Genitive Plural is actually preferred (два великих вікна).
  • Numerals 5 and above: The rule is strict. The adjective must be in the Genitive Plural (e.g., п'ять великих столів).

Important Note: In Ukrainian, the noun after 2, 3, and 4 is grammatically classified as the Nominative Plural. While this form may look identical to the Genitive Singular for many feminine and neuter nouns due to historical reasons, the adjective usually follows the plural logic.

Exceptions and Nuances:

  • Stress Shifts: Even though the noun is Nominative Plural, it often retains the stress of the Genitive Singular (e.g., два бра́ти instead of the usual plural брати́).
  • Nouns in -ин-: Nouns that lose the -ин- suffix in the plural (like киянин) take the Genitive Singular form after 2, 3, and 4 (e.g., два киянина).
  • IV Declension: Neuter nouns of the IV declension (like ім'я or плем'я) also take the Genitive Singular after these small numerals (e.g., два імені).

Examples (5)

  1. Два нові проєкти були представлені вчора.

    Two new projects were presented yesterday.

    Word by Word: Two new projects were presented yesterday.

    After 'два', the adjective 'нові' is in the Nominative Plural, which is the standard choice for masculine nouns.

  2. На столі лежали чотири великих яблука.

    Four large apples were lying on the table.

    Word by Word: On table lay four large apples.

    For neuter nouns like 'яблуко', the Genitive Plural 'великих' is preferred after the numeral 4.

  3. Ми купили шість сучасних комп'ютерів.

    We bought six modern computers.

    Word by Word: We bought six modern computers.

    Since 6 is in the '5+' category, the adjective 'сучасних' must be in the Genitive Plural.

  4. Три високі дівчини стоять біля вікна.

    Three tall girls are standing by the window.

    Word by Word: Three tall girls stand near window.

    With feminine nouns and the numeral 3, the Nominative Plural 'високі' is the most natural choice.

  5. У класі є двадцять один новий учень.

    There is twenty-one new student in the class.

    Word by Word: In class is twenty one new student.

    In compound numerals ending in 'один', the adjective remains singular to agree with 'один'.

Common Mistakes

  • Using Genitive Singular for the adjective after 2, 3, or 4 (influenced by Russian).

    Два великого столи.
    Два великі столи.

    In Ukrainian, the adjective must be plural (Nominative or Genitive), never singular, after the numerals 2, 3, and 4.

  • Using Nominative Plural for adjectives after numerals 5 and above.

    П'ять нові столи.
    П'ять нових столів.

    Numerals 5 and above strictly require the Genitive Plural for both the adjective and the noun.

How It Connects

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Adjectives after NumeralsLevel 2

Learn This First

To understand how adjectives behave after numerals, you first need to know the specific case requirements that numerals impose on nouns (Nominative plural for 2-4, and Genitive plural for 5+). You also need a basic understanding of how adjectives agree with nouns in Ukrainian.