Accusative in descriptions/occupations?

Question

In a very simple clause such as "I am an actor," would 'actor' be in the accusative or does the accusative require an actual verb to be present?\n\nAlso, if it is in the accusative, could one write "Мы — актёров"?

Answer 1

In this sentence or a similar one with a verb, to be, you always will use the nominative case. For example, Я – инженер. Он- американец. Мы актёры. In the Future or the Past tense, you need to use an Instrumental case: Я буду инженером. Он будет американцем. Они были актёрами.

Besides if using other verbs you will also need to use an Instrumental case: Я работаю инженером. Он станет американцем. Они работают актёрами.

Answer 2

Think of it like this. The nominative case is the default case. If a noun, adjective, or pronoun is not in the nominative case, it is because it is being acted on, affected by. another word that requires a particular case.

The two classes of words that require a particular case are transitive verbs and prepositions. In the case of the sentence "I am an actor," the verb "to be" is not a transitive verb, and therefore the noun remains in the nominative case: Я--актер."