What grammatical role does the partitive case play in standard Estonian when following cardinal numerals greater than one?
Answer and explanation
Correct answer: C. It requires the singular partitive form of the quantified noun
- Step 1: In Estonian syntax, cardinal numerals from two upwards govern the singular partitive case (e.g. kaks maja 'two houses', viis raamatut 'five books'). Step 2. Only the numeral 'one' (üks) is followed by the nominative singular. Answer: It requires the singular partitive form of the quantified noun. Why not the others: Plural nominative is used in Slavic and Germanic languages; plural genitive is used after high numbers in Russian; uninflected nominative singular is only used after 'üks'.
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