Structure of complex Italian sentences
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A sentence is complex when it's formed by a main clause and a clause that depends on it or a clause that is in some way connected to it.
Lesson outline
Hide- 1.Coordinated/Dependent clauses
- 1.1.Relative sentences (who, which, that)
- 1.1.1.Relative clauses (omittable information)
- 1.1.2.Relative clauses (non-omittable quality)
- 1.2.Indirect questions and reported speech
- 1.3.Infinitive phrases
- 2.Exercises
- 2.1.Exercise on Italian complex sentences - Drag text
- 2.2.Exercise on Italian complex clauses (relatives) - Single choice set
- 2.3.Exercise on Italian complex sentences (indirect questions/reported speech) - Drag text
- 2.4.Exercise on Italian complex sentences (infinitives) - Drag text
Coordinated/Dependent clauses
It's possible to add to a main clause a coordinated clause, introduced by coordinating conjunctions, and/or a dependent clause, introduced by a subordinating conjunction.
Coordinated/Dependent clauses: (Main clause) + Conjunction + Second clause + (Main clause)
| Type of clause | Main clause | Second clause | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coordinated (coordinating conjunction) | L'insegnante parla | e gli alunni ascoltano. | The teacher talks and the pupils listen. |
| Dependent (subordinating conjunction) | Io cucino | mentre tu riposi. | I cook while you rest. |
To form complex sentences, it's possible to add a dependent clause before or after the main sentence.
Dependent clauses are usually separated from the main clause by a comma.
Dependent clauses are usually separated from the main clause by a comma.
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Mentre Luigi andava a casa, il sole iniziava a tramontare. | While Luigi was going home, the sun was starting to set. |
| Io cucino e il gatto dorme. | I cook and the cat sleeps. |
| (Loro) Pensavano che lo sapessi, ma io non lo sapevo. | They thought I knew, but I didn't know. |
In this lesson we will analize the structure of the following types of complex clauses:
- Relative sentences;
- Indirect questions and reported speech;
- Infinitive phrases.
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Relative sentences (who, which, that)
Relative clauses specify something about an element that has already been introduced.
In English, relative clauses are introduce by who, which, that.
In Italian we use the following pronouns:
| Masculine singular | Feminine singular | Masculine plural | Feminine plural | English |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Che | Che | Che | Che | Who / which / that |
| Cui | Cui | Cui | Cui | Who /which / that (preceded by a preposition) |
| Il quale | La quale | I quali | Le quali | Who / which / that (formal/less used) |
There are two main structure options of relative clauses:
- Relative clauses where the information is omittable;
- Relative clauses that specify a non-omittable quality.
Relative clauses (omittable information)
This type of clause includes an information which could be also easily omitted; the sentence would still make sense.
Relative clauses (omittable information): Subject + [Comma + Relative pronoun + Verb + Object + Comma] + Main verb + Rest of the sentence
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| La vicina di casa, [la quale si è trasferita lo scorso anno], si chiama Paola. | The neighbor, who moved in last year, is called Paola. |
| Il primo figlio di Chiara, [il cui marito si chiama Leo], è appena nato. | Chiara's first son, whose husband's name is Leo, was born a while ago. |
| Giovanni, [che si è lasciato da poco con la ragazza], è molto triste. | Giovanni, who recenty broke up with his girlfriend, is very sad. |
Relative clauses (non-omittable quality)
This second structure includes a relative sentence that can't be omitted because it specifies a distinctive quality of the element it refers to.
Relative clauses (non-omittable quality): Subject + Relative pronoun + Verb + Other elements] + Main verb + Rest of the sentence
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| La torta che era stata bruciata non è stata servita al matrimonio. | The cake that had been burnt wasn't served at the wedding. |
| La bicicletta che hai messo fuori è tutta bagnata. | The bycicle you put outside is all wet. |
| La stanza in cui dormi è al piano di sopra. | The room you sleep in is upstairs. |
Both these structure are usually placed close to the element they refer to.
Indirect questions and reported speech
Indirect questions are subordinate prepositions that introduce a doubt, a question.
Reported speeech is used to explain what somebody said.
They are usually introduced by the following words:
| Verbs | Chiedere (To ask), Pensare (Think), Credere (To believe) |
|---|---|
| Names | Domanda (Question), Dubbio (Doubt) |
| Adjectives | Curioso (Curious), Dubbioso (Doubtful) |
| Prepositions | Se (If), Come (How), Perchè (Why), Quando (When), Quanto (How much) |
| Conjunctions | Che (That) |
| Interrogative adjectives and pronouns | Chi (Who), Il quale (Which/That), Che cosa/Cosa (What), Quanto (How much) |
Indirect questions/speech: Subject/(Personal pronoun) + Introductory element + Rest of the sentence
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Mi chiedo come sia possibile dormire 3 ore a notte. | I'm wondering how you could possibly sleep 3 hours per night. |
| Non si capisce cosa voglia fare. | You don't manage to understand what he will do. |
| Mario ha detto che è curioso di conoscere il risultato finale. | Mario said he was curious to know the final score. |
Infinitive phrases
Infinitive phrases express an action using the infinitive mood.
Infinitive phrase: Main clause + Preposition/No connecting element + Verb on the infinitive mood (+ Rest of the sentence)
Let's analize the following examples.
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Mi ha dato il libro di matematica per studiare. | He gave the Maths book to study. |
| E' facile raggiungere la stazione. | It's easy to reach the railways station. |
Exercises
- Exercise on Italian complex sentences - Drag text
- Exercise on Italian complex clauses (relatives) - Single choice set
- Exercise on Italian complex sentences (indirect questions/reported speech) - Drag text
- Exercise on Italian complex sentences (infinitives) - Drag text
Exercise on Italian complex sentences - Drag text
Exercise on Italian complex clauses (relatives) - Single choice set
Solution
Pick the correct alternative and keep in mind the main rules:
- Relative clauses (omittable information): Subject + [Comma + Relative pronoun + Verb + Object + Comma] + Main verb + Rest of the sentence
- Relative clauses (non-omittable quality): Subject + Relative pronoun + Verb + Other elements] + Main verb + Rest of the sentence1. Maria, whom I've only met once, lives in Uruguay.
Maria, la quale ho incontrato una sola volta, vive in Uruguay.
2. The water bottle I bought has disappeared.
La bottiglia d'acqua che avevo comprato è sparita.
3. The kid who I babysit is called Andrea.
Il bambino per cui faccio la babysitter si chiama Andrea.
4. The song that you're listening to was released in 2002.
La canzone che stai ascoltando è stata rilasciata nel 2002.
5. We are looking for a candidate who perfectly knows the program.
Cerchiamo un candidato che conosca perfettamente il programma.
6. You're the funniest person who I've ever met.
Sei la persona più divertente che abbia mai conosciuto.
7. The memories that we made are amazing.
I ricordi che abbiamo sono bellissimi.
8. The document that you signed is very important.
Il documento che hai firmato è molto importante.
9. The lunch you brought from home looks tasty.
Il pranzo che hai portato da casa sembra buono.
10. The music genre that he prefers is jazz.
Il genere di musica che lui preferisce è il jazz.
Exercise on Italian complex sentences (indirect questions/reported speech) - Drag text
Exercise on Italian complex sentences (infinitives) - Drag text
Exercises
- Exercise on Italian complex sentences - Drag text
- Exercise on Italian complex clauses (relatives) - Single choice set
- Exercise on Italian complex sentences (indirect questions/reported speech) - Drag text
- Exercise on Italian complex sentences (infinitives) - Drag text
Exercise on Italian complex sentences - Drag text
Exercise on Italian complex clauses (relatives) - Single choice set
Solution
Pick the correct alternative and keep in mind the main rules:
- Relative clauses (omittable information): Subject + [Comma + Relative pronoun + Verb + Object + Comma] + Main verb + Rest of the sentence
- Relative clauses (non-omittable quality): Subject + Relative pronoun + Verb + Other elements] + Main verb + Rest of the sentence1. Maria, whom I've only met once, lives in Uruguay.
Maria, la quale ho incontrato una sola volta, vive in Uruguay.
2. The water bottle I bought has disappeared.
La bottiglia d'acqua che avevo comprato è sparita.
3. The kid who I babysit is called Andrea.
Il bambino per cui faccio la babysitter si chiama Andrea.
4. The song that you're listening to was released in 2002.
La canzone che stai ascoltando è stata rilasciata nel 2002.
5. We are looking for a candidate who perfectly knows the program.
Cerchiamo un candidato che conosca perfettamente il programma.
6. You're the funniest person who I've ever met.
Sei la persona più divertente che abbia mai conosciuto.
7. The memories that we made are amazing.
I ricordi che abbiamo sono bellissimi.
8. The document that you signed is very important.
Il documento che hai firmato è molto importante.
9. The lunch you brought from home looks tasty.
Il pranzo che hai portato da casa sembra buono.
10. The music genre that he prefers is jazz.
Il genere di musica che lui preferisce è il jazz.
Exercise on Italian complex sentences (indirect questions/reported speech) - Drag text
Exercise on Italian complex sentences (infinitives) - Drag text
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I provide students with a solid grammar base, but also help them to understand the application and use of the language in everyday life. At the same time, I tailor the lesson to suit the students' main interests – such as grammar, speaking, pronunciation, writing or exam preparation. I teach students of different levels, from beginners to advanced.
Although I love teaching in-person, I have adapted myself to teaching online as well. I have also completed a Teaching English Online course offered by Cambridge University. I have to admit that it's a really effective method, plus you meet people from all over the world!
Having lived abroad for several years I know that learning a foreign language requires time, but it's also fun. By speaking in it we can express hidden parts of ourselves – it's a bit like acting!
You can also assimilate the culture from which the language evolves. It's interesting to see how we can change and develop!
My aim is to transmit to students the idea that nothing is impossible. Learning a language is challenging, but entirely achievable if you keep in mind that it's a journey made of small steps.
What is important is to establish those small objectives every day, and reach them with calm determination.
Like a tracker counts the steps that you walk, put on your “count-words tracker” and you'll be surprised at how much you have learned by the end of the day!
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Hello Everybody
My name is Luisa and I teach Italian for foreign students, English, French and German for Italian students
Since 1994, I have dedicated myself to translating and teaching thanks to my travels, abroad studies, foreign reading and writing. I provide fun and customized lessons based on the student's goals. I also triy to minimize English speaking during the lessons. I give homework exercises, and my lessons are intermixed with grammar, conversation, customs and traditions. My goal is to make certain that each student finds learning Italian exciting.
I am available for any explanations also via e mail
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Hello Everybody
My name is Luisa and I teach Italian for foreign students, English, French and German for Italian students
Since 1994, I have dedicated myself to translating and teaching thanks to my travels, abroad studies, foreign reading and writing. I provide fun and customized lessons based on the student's goals. I also triy to minimize English speaking during the lessons. I give homework exercises, and my lessons are intermixed with grammar, conversation, customs and traditions. My goal is to make certain that each student finds learning Italian exciting.
I am available for any explanations also via e mail
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Hi!
My name is Mariateresa, I'm Italian and I teach English, Italian and Spanish to foreign students.
Having lived in Spain during my last year at University, I moved to the UK, where I lived for the next five years. My English at that time was quite poor and I made a living by doing various jobs.
One day, inspired by my amazing English teacher Mandy, I had an idea: why not teach my native language and Spanish to English people and other nationalities? You wouldn’t believe how fascinated people are by these languages!
It was in 2017 when I fell in love with this job. So much so that one year later I successfully attained a TESOL Certificate, to teach English as a foreign language.
Teaching allows me to fully express myself and my personal qualities, such as patience and an ability to give my full attention to other people. By giving students a space in which to express themselves without fear, I create a safe, non-judgemental environment.
When a new student contacts me I always offer them a free trial lesson, so that we can introduce ourselves and I can get to know their level, interests and needs. It's from there that I create the ensuing lessons.
I provide students with a solid grammar base, but also help them to understand the application and use of the language in everyday life. At the same time, I tailor the lesson to suit the students' main interests – such as grammar, speaking, pronunciation, writing or exam preparation. I teach students of different levels, from beginners to advanced.
Although I love teaching in-person, I have adapted myself to teaching online as well. I have also completed a Teaching English Online course offered by Cambridge University. I have to admit that it's a really effective method, plus you meet people from all over the world!
Having lived abroad for several years I know that learning a foreign language requires time, but it's also fun. By speaking in it we can express hidden parts of ourselves – it's a bit like acting!
You can also assimilate the culture from which the language evolves. It's interesting to see how we can change and develop!
My aim is to transmit to students the idea that nothing is impossible. Learning a language is challenging, but entirely achievable if you keep in mind that it's a journey made of small steps.
What is important is to establish those small objectives every day, and reach them with calm determination.
Like a tracker counts the steps that you walk, put on your “count-words tracker” and you'll be surprised at how much you have learned by the end of the day!
For more information visit:
https://campsite.bio/mariateresa.medici
A. .
Maria, was very helpful. I was a bit of a challenging case and so she had to modify her teaching program on the fly and did so with competence.
Mariateresa M.
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
H. M.
I asked Daniela to help me with pronunciation. She pays careful attention, and corrects my pronunciation as needed.
Daniela V.
Why should you choose me? Take a look at what people say who have taken online classes with me.
Book lessons with me and
- prepare Dutch exams "Basisinburgering A1" and "Inburgeringsexamen A2". Your full commitment and my energetic, professional approach are the winning combination to help you succeed at once!
- learn Dutch because you live in the Netherlands (or are planning to move there) and still don’t speak the language properly or haven’t started yet. You’ll enjoy your environment more!
- learn Italian for work or because you will move to this beautiful country or simply because you just love it. Let me help you experience the language!
- study Spanish for pleasure, work or because you have to prepare an exam for school and you need to get confident to perform optimally
- get confident in useful daily conversations, meetings at work, exams, and presentations
- overcome the fear of failure; if you have learning problems, feel shy or need a boost of energy you’ll get confident enough to achieve your goals
My lessons are based on conversations. My method is to help you practice the language from the very beginning in spontaneous and direct conversations, using often role plays.
With books, articles, songs, and other interesting and stimulating material I will encourage conversation, develop grammar in a simpler way, and improve pronunciation.
Learning a foreign language is not a matter of doing much effort, but rather of being consistent, enjoying the lessons and allowing your intuition to work with you. You will book immediate results while having fun!
I've been teaching Dutch, Spanish and Italian for many years, in The Netherlands, for private institutes, for the integration of foreigners into society (Inburgering), and online from Italy, where I currently live.
Contact me for a free trial and let me know how I can help you.
CANCELATION POLICY
If you cancel a reservation please do it at least 24 hours before the session
(otherwise I would have to charge you for the lesson).
A. .
Elena is an excellent Italian native teacher. She is very punctual, professional and friendly. My daughter and I love the lessons given by her. During the lesson she easily adapts to the difference in level between my daughter and me. In the lesson she takes the time to have a conversation in which we practice the learned material. We highly recommend Elena!!
Thank you, Angalinna. I'm happy to know that you are both satisfied with the lessons. Keep on learning and you'll continue to improve!
Hi everyone!
My name is Daniela, I am Italian and I come from a small town in Sicily, Southern Italy. I am a qualified Italian language teacher and a CELI examiner! I work in two language schools teaching Italian and I also teach English at school.
I love foreign languages, translating, reading and listening to music. Are you ready to start your language learning path with me? We are going to learn many things and to talk a lot, if you allow me to! Don’t worry if you’ve never studied the language before: everyone can attend my classes – from beginner to advanced students. You just need passion for what you're going to do and... a good Internet connection. Materials are provided by me!
See you online!
I. T.
Daniela is the best teacher ever! I would recommend her to literally anyone that wants to learn Italian. She is kind, sweet, patient, has a great sense of humor and does her job very well and detailed. I have been taking lessons with her for over 2 years now and my Italian improved so much! She always sends you all the materials you need and anything you ask for, like reading materials, grammar exercises etc. Daniela is extremely positive and always comes very prepared and in a great mood. She even makes the hard and more difficult things to learn a fun process. What I liked a lot, is that she doesn’t only teach you the theory but takes her time to have many conversations with you, about all kinds of topics, so that you really get the confidence for fluent talking. She does her job with a lot of passion and dedication and there is literally no question about the Italian language that she cannot answer. I don’t think there is a teacher out there, that will give you so much of her knowledge, joy and time for such a convenient price. Highly recommend!!!
Dear Iulia, I am so happy that you are satisfied with our courses together. It's true, we have come a long way. Your Italian (already beautiful from the start) has grown more and more and has become wonderful! Thank you for the trust you have given me since day one :-)