Language/Modern-greek-1453/Grammar/Question-words-and-basic-sentence-structure

Modern Greek (1453-) Grammar → Basic Grammar → Question words and basic sentence structure

In the previous lesson, we learned about pronouns and verbs in Modern Greek. We explored how to use personal pronouns and conjugate basic verbs. Building on that knowledge, in this lesson, we will focus on understanding basic sentence structure and the use of question words in Modern Greek.

Basic Sentence Structure

When constructing a sentence in Modern Greek, it is important to understand the basic sentence structure. The typical word order in a sentence is Subject-Verb-Object (SVO). However, Modern Greek is a flexible language, allowing for variations in word order depending on emphasis and context.

Let's break down each component of the basic sentence structure:

• Subject: The subject is the noun or pronoun that performs the action or is being described in the sentence. It answers the question "Who or what?" For example: "Ο άντρας" (The man), "Η γάτα" (The cat).

• Verb: The verb is the action or state of being in the sentence. It answers the question "What is happening?" or "What is being done?" For example: "πηγαίνει" (goes), "τρώει" (eats).

• Object: The object is the noun or pronoun that receives the action of the verb. It answers the question "Who or what?" For example: "το βιβλίο" (the book), "την μπάλα" (the ball).

Here is an example sentence in the basic SVO word order: "Ο άντρας πηγαίνει στο σπίτι." (The man goes home.)

Remember that word order can be flexible in Modern Greek, especially in spoken language. However, maintaining the SVO structure will ensure clarity and comprehension.

Question Words

In order to ask questions in Modern Greek, we use question words. These words help us gather specific information about a person, place, thing, or action. Let's explore some common question words in Modern Greek:

• Ποιος (Poios): Who?
• Τι (Ti): What?
• Πού (Pou): Where?
• Πώς (Pos): How?
• Πότε (Pote): When?
• Γιατί (Gyati): Why?
• Πόσο (Poso): How much/many?
• Ποιο (Poio): Which?

Using question words is essential when engaging in conversations and seeking information. Here are some example sentences using question words:

• "Ποιος είναι αυτός;" (Who is this?)
• "Τι κάνεις;" (What are you doing?)
• "Πού είναι ο κήπος;" (Where is the garden?)
• "Πώς περνάς;" (How are you?)
• "Πότε έρχεσαι;" (When are you coming?)
• "Γιατί φοβάσαι;" (Why are you scared?)
• "Πόσα χρήματα έχεις;" (How much money do you have?)
• "Ποιο αυτοκίνητο προτιμάς;" (Which car do you prefer?)

By using these question words, you can gather information and engage in meaningful conversations with native speakers.

Basic Sentence Structure with Question Words

When using question words in a sentence, the word order changes slightly. The typical structure for a question in Modern Greek is Question Word-Verb-Subject-Object (QWVSO). Let's break down each component:

• Question Word: The question word indicates the specific information you are seeking. For example: "ποιος" (who), "τι" (what), "πού" (where).

• Verb: The verb follows the question word and is conjugated accordingly. For example: "κάνεις" (are you doing), "πηγαίνει" (is going), "τρώεις" (are you eating).

• Subject: The subject comes after the verb in a question. For example: "εσύ" (you), "ο φίλος μου" (my friend).

• Object: The object, if present, follows the subject. For example: "αυτό;" (this), "την μπάλα;" (the ball).

Here is an example of a question using the QWVSO word order: "Πού πηγαίνεις;" (Where are you going?)

Remember that word order can be flexible in Modern Greek, even in questions. However, following the QWVSO structure will help you construct clear and grammatically correct questions.

Practice Exercise

Now it's time to practice what you've learned! Translate the following English sentences into Modern Greek, maintaining the appropriate word order and using the correct question word:

1. What is your name? 2. Where do you live? 3. How are you feeling? 4. When is your birthday? 5. Why did you come here? 6. How much does it cost? 7. Which book do you prefer?

Take your time and don't worry about making mistakes. Practice is key to improving your language skills!

Conclusion

Congratulations! You have learned the basic sentence structure and the use of question words in Modern Greek. Understanding how to construct sentences and ask questions will greatly enhance your ability to communicate in the language.

In the next lesson, we will delve into the use of adjectives and adverbs in Modern Greek. We will explore how to describe people, places, and things, as well as how to modify verbs and adjectives. Get ready to add more depth and detail to your sentences!

Table of Contents - Modern Greek (1453-) Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Introduction to Greek Alphabet

• Greek Letters and Pronunciation
• Diphthongs and Special Combinations

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Basic Greetings and Phrases

• Greetings and Introductions
• Common Everyday Phrases

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Nouns and Articles

• Definite and Indefinite Articles
• Noun Gender and Plurals

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Numbers and Time

• Numbers 1-100
• Telling Time

  ---

Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjective Agreement
• Comparative and Superlative Adjectives
• Adverbs and Adverbial Phrases

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Food and Dining

• Common Foods and Drinks
• Ordering in a Restaurant

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Verbs and Tenses

• Present Tense
• Past Tense
• Future Tense

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Travel and Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Asking for Directions

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Prepositions and Conjunctions

• Common Prepositions
• Coordinating and Subordinating Conjunctions

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Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Describing Relationships

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Greek Traditions and Customs

• Holidays and Celebrations
• Greek Cuisine

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Greek History and Geography

• Historical Overview
• Geographical Regions

Sources

• Modern-greek-1453 Grammar - The Greek sentence types

Other Lessons

• Greek adverbs through examples
• Sentense Structure
• The degrees of the adjective
• Questions
• Synonyms Antonyms
• Definite and Indefinite Article
• Les numéraux ordinaux cardinaux
• Pronoms interrogatifs
• Subject Verb Agreement
• The comma