Using the instrumental in the past

[david-us.livejournal.com]

Frequently, I know that Russians put a predicate noun in the instrumental case - mostly for past tense, from what I can tell. I'm not really sure why they do this.

For example: What is the difference between, "Я был пилот." and "Я был пилотом." ?

Does this same structure exist for the future tense? Is it grammatically correct to say "Я буду пилотом."?

* * * * *

Next question - somewhat related:

How would a Russian convey the different connotation in the following English sentences?

"I am a pilot."  - as if I was asked what my occupation is.

"I am the pilot." - it may be obvious that I'm a pilot, but somebody may want to know if I am the pilot for a particular flight.

In English, we can easily convey these different meanings using the words "a" and "the." In situations where the context may not be obvious, I guess a Russian would have to use a few more words to avoid ambiguity - correct?

"Я служу пилотом."

"Я пилот для этого рейса."

Again, thanks!

David Emerling
Memphis, TN

Comments

[icamel.livejournal.com]

I think that russian would rather say

Я пилот на этот рейс.

[cherniavska.livejournal.com]

I am Russian and either construction does not sound completely right but, I cannot find the proper one at the moment.
There was better one mentioned in the comments - Я пилот в этом экипаже. (I'm the pilot for the crew).

[icamel.livejournal.com]

That depends on the situation.

[cherniavska.livejournal.com]

No question about that:))