The Ukrainian language has many nuances that often raise questions even for those who speak it well, writes the Industrial Zaporizhzhia website. One of these questions is how to write correctly: шкодо or шко до? Is there a difference between these forms, and how to use them correctly? Let's figure it out.
The correct form: “шкодо”
In most cases, the correct form is шкодо, which is written together. This is a preposition that is used to express a relationship or connection between objects or phenomena. The spelling together is enshrined in the norms of Ukrainian spelling.
Read also how to correctly write at least or at least.
When do we write “shko do” separately?
The form shko do is written separately if the word shko acts as a conjunction, and do— a preposition. In this case, they are not one word, but perform different functions in a sentence.
How to distinguish “about” and “what to”?
1. About (together) — a preposition:
• Used to express an attitude or clarify a topic.
• Question: “Regarding what?”
Examples:
• We talked about weekend plans.
• Regarding this situation, I have some doubts.
• Regarding your question, I will come back later.
2. About (separately) — a conjunction + preposition:
• Used when what acts as a subordinating conjunction, and to is a preposition that introduces an adjunct.
• Question: “What exactly is to what?”.
Examples:
• I said I would get back to this tomorrow.
• He asked what was missing from this document.
• It is not clear that this issue will be resolved in the near future.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
1. Incorrect division:
❌ We talked about your proposal.
✅ We talked about your proposal.
2. Incorrect merger:
❌ I said, we'll come back to this tomorrow.
✅ I said, we'll come back to this tomorrow.
Examples of correct usage
Regarding:
• I have a few ideas for a new project.
• Regarding the weather, rain is expected.
• We talked about organizing a holiday.
Regarding:
• He did not understand that it is necessary to prepare for this in advance.
• As for your question, we will think about it.
• They did not know that experts should be involved in solving the problem.
The opinion of philologists
Philologists emphasize that the confusion between regarding and regardingis common because of their similarity in sound. However, according to Oleksandr Avramenko, understanding the context will help you easily distinguish these forms. If the word expresses a relationship or relates to a topic, it is shto. If it is a separate construction with a subordinate clause, write shto.
Read also how to write correctly in a dream or in a dream.
How to remember?
• If you can replace it with the word regarding, write regarding together.
Example: Regarding documents = Regarding documents.
• If there is a subordinate clause that explains or clarifies something, write regarding separately.
Example: He said he wasn't ready for this.
The form regarding (together) is used when referring to a preposition that expresses an attitude towards something. The form regarding (separately) is found in complex sentences, where regarding is a conjunction and to is a preposition. To avoid mistakes, always pay attention to the context and function of words in a sentence.
Read also how to write good evening or good evening correctly.
