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A Few More Bodies – English Translation Posted by Geoff on Jun 18, 2018
Dear readers, as quite a few of you have requested an English translation of the latest chapter of our detective story … eccola! Story by Serena, English translation by Geoff Ispettore Augusto: “Allora Tenente, sono finalmente arrivati i risultati del test del DNA?” Inspector Augusto: “Well Lieutenant, have the results of the DNA test finally…
Using The Passato Prossimo – An Exercise Posted by Geoff on Jun 13, 2018
In my article Using The Passato Prossimo In Italian – Part 1 we looked at the basic rules for constructing the passato prossimo (present perfect). Here’s an exercise that will help you gauge your abilities. Fill in the gaps in the Italian sentences below. 1. A Trip to Rome Marco: Giovanni went to Rome last…
Using The Passato Prossimo In Italian – Part 1 Posted by Geoff on Jun 12, 2018
Il passato prossimo, known as the present perfect in English, is not a particularly complex construction. The key lies in knowing which auxiliary verb to use: essere or avere. In today’s article, rather than talking about the often confusing topic of transitive and intransitive verbs and how they affect the choice of which auxiliary to…
I Miss You! Posted by Geoff on Jun 4, 2018
Dear readers, there are so many grammatical topics that I want to cover that sometimes it’s hard to know where to begin! But let’s strike while the iron is hot and deal with another confusingly back to front concept: mancare = to miss/to be missing. If you’ve come to grips with the reverse thinking that…
Ti Piacerebbe Fare Un Quiz? Posted by Geoff on May 25, 2018
After a month of articles about piacere I think it’s time for an exercise. N.B. before you try this exercise you’ll need to have studied the following: Italian Indirect Personal Pronouns Mi Piace! – Part 1. Mi Piace! – Part 2. Mi Piace! – Part 3. Mi Piace! – Part 4 Remember the golden rule: “in…
Mi Piace! – Part 4 Posted by Geoff on May 21, 2018
Almost a month ago I set out to write a ‘simple’ blog about how to use the verb piacere to say ‘I like …’. It seems to have turned into a work of epic proportions! But a part 4 there must be dear readers, because we still haven’t covered a rather tricky, but very important…
Mi Piace! – Part 3. Posted by Geoff on May 18, 2018
Did you like the lasagne? Did you like his brother? Common everyday questions that you’re likely to be asked or you’ll want to ask in Italian. But how to go about it? N.B. before you read this article you’ll need to have studied the following: Italian Indirect Personal Pronouns Mi Piace! – Part 1. Mi…