Second blog about the function of Italian prepositions. Today we’ll talk about prepositions of place. Audio examples Italian simple prepositions (preposizioni semplici) do not follow a precise set of rules. In the first blog of this series, we went though the prepositions of time, le preposizioni di tempo. Today we’ll have a good look at the … Read more ≫
Let’s review the Italian infinitive – infinito – and the difference with the gerund – gerundio Ciao a tutti. The infinito is the basic form of Italian verbs, ending in -are (mangiare – to eat) -ere (leggere – to read) -ire (dormire – to sleep). In some rare cases, we have the form -rre (produrre, … Read more ≫
Two tenses: futuro semplice and futuro anteriore Both the futuro semplice and futuro anteriore belong to the indicativo, a group of tenses that we use for describing facts. In this case, we are obviously talking about facts set in the future. Look at the sentences: Domani parto per le vacanze. Domani partirò per le vacanze. They describe … Read more ≫
Today we’ll see how Italian modal verbs (I verbi modali: dovere, potere, volere, sapere) interact with reflexive verbs Please have a look at this overview about reflexive verbs if you don’t know what a verbo riflessivo is. Today I’ll go deeper into details with a very common structure: reflexive and modal verbs together. For example: Domani MI … Read more ≫
Learn how the Italian verbi riflessivi change in more complex scenarios. Complete the Time Challenge Exercise When students get familiar with the verbi riflessivi the first time, we begin by teaching simple tenses of the indicativo, such as the presente, passato prossimo or imperfetto. Today we are going practice the verbi riflessivi using more complex … Read more ≫
Today we’ll talk about preposizioni di tempo We learned that Italian prepositions, le preposizioni, do not follow precise rules. We can however indicate some important patterns. Ciao a tutti. Prepositions are always tricky. We can simplify this intricate topic by explaining the function of the preposizioni. Today I’m going to talk about time, il tempo. Italian students learn … Read more ≫
The Italian verbi riflessivi are verbs whose subject acts on itself The following is a very basic introduction to reflexive verbs. If your level is intermediate, please have a look at this post. A verbo riflessivo always comes with a reflexive pronoun, a small particle directly linked to the subject of the sentence. Fabio si sveglia alle 8 … Read more ≫
Let’s play a game and see if you can get the Italian prepositions right in a short time. Remember, it’s just a game… In bocca al lupo… Baldassarre Estense – Portrait of Borso d’Este (1470 ca)
Review the difference between Congiuntivo Presente and Indicativo Presente with a Quiz congiuntivo presente of essere and avere congiuntivo presente of regular verbs. This is the 3rd post of the series dedicated to the congiuntivo. It’s a simple review of the difference between two types of present tense: the congiuntivo presente and the indicativo presente of … Read more ≫
This is a very basic introduction on the differences between the Italian passato prossimo and the imperfetto. The passato prossimo describes an action (or a situation) in the past with a beginning and an end – it’s a perfect tense. The imperfetto describes a situation (or an action) in the past, usual or ongoing, with … Read more ≫