Italian Grammar

By taking the time to understand how the Italian language works, you'll be able to speak Italian naturally, and read and write in Italian. We know this can be one of the more challenging parts of your course, and we’re here to help! You can browse the topics, do a search in the top right corner of this page, or start a new conversation. Don’t be shy!

Regular are verbs

Ciao a tuttiThe verb approfittare looks like a regular verb in conjugations.My question is is regularity ruled only by the present tense? In other words is that where verbs are deemed regular or irregular.I just have not been able to find confirmation of ...

3 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - November 1, 2021

Molto vs Molte

Hi, Just to clarify, is "molte" the feminine form of noun? Grazie.

3 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - November 1, 2021

ha vs hai

CiaoHa scritto sopra il suo nameHow come it is  “ha not hai” if in the translation it has “You” in brackets. All these idiosyncrisies drive me a little crazy. I guess  English is the same. Sebongela

2 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - November 1, 2021

Conditional - Mood or Tense?

I'm a bit confused by the conditional. I understand the conjugations and when to use them, but grammatically - is it a mood or a tense? A LOT of material about the conditional from level 2 is gone now, but still shows up when you use the search function. ...

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - November 1, 2021

Quello che/quelli che/ciò

Ciao ragazzi, Hoping someone can help explain the subtle differences between “quello che/quelli che/ciò” I've seen these expressions a lot in written Italian and by listening to Italian audio.  If I'm not mistaken/understand correctly;Quello che = thatQue...

2 replies - Last post by MichaelC1888 - October 18, 2021

Ci, ce, ne

Are there any lessons in Italian 3 that focus on using the pronouns ci, ne and ce?Thank you!

1 reply - Last post by Liss-Rocket-Languages-Tutor - October 15, 2021

To level 3 learners and Rocket mods - especially those who have also learned Spanish

Dear allHaving worked your way through Italian to level 3, how have you found learning the grammar, especially those who can compare it to Spanish?What method - aside from following Rocket obviously - did you find most useful?I ask (a) because I'm finding...

4 replies - Last post by ChrisM108 - October 9, 2021

Mettere

Lesson sending a package home. Lo Metta Sulla bilancia. Put it on the scaleThen mettere to putMettere to takeIs this part of the same verb, meaning take or put?

3 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - October 4, 2021

Sia per / che per

Question about a phrase I came across in the pre-lesson dialogues:“… quando si viaggia sia per piacere che per affari.”“… when one travels both for pleasure and for business.” I don't remember coming across these combinations in the grammar lessons. I'm u...

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - September 21, 2021

Possessive Pronouns

Is “la sua casa” the same as ”Casa sua"?  After struggling so much to wrap my head around lesson 4.7, lesson 4.8 throws the second variation at me!  Please say it is interchangeable!

2 replies - Last post by LuzM18 - September 16, 2021

Lesson 8.8 - Sono sposato da cinque anni

In Lesson 8.8 we learn that there are two  constructions that we can use when talking about a length of time that started in the past but is currently ongoing.  They are:  (i) [present action] + da + [length of time] and (ii), essere + [length of time] + ...

6 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - August 30, 2021

Why was, "qualche" used with the plural, "mese" instead of, "mesa"

Lesson 9.3 includes the phrase, “che vengono ad abitare nel Torinese per qualche mese quest’estate.”  I always thought that, “qualche” must be used with a singular noun, but the above phrase uses it with the plural, “mese."  Why isn't the correct phrase, ...

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - August 26, 2021

lavoro piu di te

Ciao a tuttiLavoro piu di te. Are we using di instead of che because of the I work as in the comparison is about the “I” not the lavoro.So confusingA prestoSebongela

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - August 26, 2021

better best

Ciao a tuttiAm doing the lesson on “What is better”Lavoro piu di te.According to your notes Piu/meno… che. Use with a verb.Why is this then di and not che?So confusingSebongela

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - August 26, 2021

che Le sarà utile per il Suo reclamo.

Not sure I have got this correctly. If the “Le” is informal then why is she using it with a client that she doesn't know and not a formal version. If there is one

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - August 10, 2021

Italian nouns

Ciao, ho una domanda a chiedere Does it follow that every Italian noun that ends with -o means that it is a Masculine noun and vice versa, nouns that end with -a imply that they belong to the feminine? Example: il zaino, il bagno, il mano, il tavolo Gr...

3 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - August 10, 2021

Re lesson 4.9 Direct Object Pronouns

One of the ‘Know Its’ for 4.9 asks for the direct object pronoun for ‘Gabriele holds it’. The answer given is ‘Gabriele lo tiene’. Doesn't the ‘lo’ imply that what she is holding is 'male' - but how can you tell that from the question. There are numerous ...

0 replies - Last post by johnnorthrop549 - August 9, 2021

What is "si" - where did it come, and how do I use it?

Hello,I heard “si" (not sì) is used as a term for a general “you” like, “one would do this”.However, I don't see much on the internet or even Rocket Italian regarding it's usage.“si può perdere” “you will lose it" is an example I  online recently watching...

3 replies - Last post by marieg-rocket languages - July 27, 2021

The difference between "di" and "da" as prepositions

In two different instances I see “di” used to mean “from” and “da” to mean “from”, and I don't understand the distinction.  Can you explain this to me?

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - July 19, 2021

credo di aver paura

Mamma mia e troppoWow ChrisM41, you were right, level 2 is one big grammar festival.I think I am going to go through the grammar first. Maybe not as daunting as I think it is going to be. Hopefully or wishful thinking at any rate

4 replies - Last post by Maxie - July 1, 2021

lesson 5.10

Revising this lesson and wondered why it is “Ad Allessandro piace il libro”, but the following sentence is “a Chiara piacciono i cioccolatini”The Grammar is driving me a bit crazy. I will eventually get it, but keep on going back and revising, very slow g...

4 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - June 21, 2021

Lesson 4.6 - ESSERE vs. STARE

I'm starting get a feel of when to use essere and stare. But there are a couple of examples in lesson 4.6 I'm not sure of.When you say "Il ​ragazzo è in piedi." Does that mean the boy is performing the action of standing up from a sitting position?Also, d...

2 replies - Last post by MarkL57 - June 5, 2021

Fare colazione

Was revising the trip to the tourist office.If you use “ Fare colazione” Does the same apply to Cena and pranzo. As in “ fare Cena”?Have a great day

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - May 31, 2021

quelli quei

Sì. Quanto costano quelli là?Yes. How much do those over there cost? Sì. Quanto costano quelli là?Yes. How much do those over there cost?Why not queiMasculine consonant so why quelli not queiFind this so confusing

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - May 17, 2021

venire

Why viene and not vengo for IMi viene da piangere adesso.I feel like crying right now.So confusing at times. I know there must be a logical explanation, just for the life of me can't think what

3 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - May 17, 2021

How to tackle Language & Culture lessons

I've been working through level 1 of Rocket Italian and I'm loving the format! I have a great routine going and I feel like I'm learning and retaining the content well.The only problem I've been running into is the language and culture lessons. I LOVE tha...

2 replies - Last post by Maxie - May 7, 2021

Direct object pronouns

Guardando il mare Penso alle vacanze.Gauardandolo Penso alle vacanze.Not sure if this is correct then.Lo guardando Penso alle vacanze. ( This one- is it acceptable too.

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - May 6, 2021

confusion

Tenete in mente quello che vi dico.(You) remember what I tell (you all).Why tenete and not tieni for the “YOU”

7 replies - Last post by Maxie - May 4, 2021

Direct object pronouns

Finalmente, I am finally getting to grips with these horrors, been waking up at night trying to remember sentences. About to tackle the indirect ones. Frankly have been procrastinating.Found a good explanation on You TubeProblemi99. He explains all sorts ...

3 replies - Last post by Maxie - April 13, 2021

Avete vs hai

Tried to post before and did not seem to post.In lesson 2.7 in “Know It” there seems to be no distinction when to use hai or avete. So keep on getting it incorrect.Does this really matter? Frustrating though at any rate

6 replies - Last post by Maxie - April 8, 2021

Necessarily vs bisogna

Can one use necessario instead of bisogna. As in bisogna  bollire le lasgana.

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - April 7, 2021

Practice my writing

Ciao a tutti,Nella lezione 4,5, perche e la frase, ‘Porto la macchina fotographica per questa gita’, e non, ‘Porto la mia macchina fotographica per questa gita’? Per sottolineare e la mia e non la.Scusa nessun accento sul mio computer.Grazie milleCiao, Gary

2 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - April 7, 2021

dovrebbe essere

These 2 words have me totally flummoxed. The pronunciation is driving me a bit crazy. Can say it when it is fresh in my mind and have listened to it. Keep on repeating in. I think even in my sleep. Was watching a you tube video on learning new languages, ...

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - March 22, 2021

Can prendere be reflexive?

In lesson 16.10, an example was given to demonstrate the imperfect subjunctive. It was: "Sarebbe bene che ti prendessi un'aspirina." Is prendere a reflexive verb in this example or should "ti" really be "tu?" Thanks for your help.

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - March 11, 2021

Which syllable gets the stress

I know the general principles governing which syllable gets the stress.. There are exceptions, and often there are guidelines which help you out. However, with the words accomodare, accomodati, and accomodatevi I'm not sure why the stress falls where it d...

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - March 11, 2021

le sue scarpe, his shoes?

Hi all.I am on 4.9 ‘Yours and Mine'Le sue scarpe is his shoes. I understand that it is le sue to match scarpe (femine, plural). However how do I know that it is ‘his' and not 'her' if it's not obvious. For example if there are a group of people of mixed g...

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - March 10, 2021

possesive pronouns

Hi, in lesson 4.9.la vostra amica e bellissima is translated as your friend is beautiful. Why is not la tua amica since we are only talking about a singular person?ThanksGary

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - March 10, 2021

Tu di dove sei or Di dove sei tu?

In lesson 1.1 we are taught the phrase "Tu di dove sei" for “Where are you from?” However, in Lesson 3.8 we are taught that when a preposition appears in the sentence, the pronoun used for emphasis must come at the end: “Di dove sei tu?” Which is correct?

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - March 10, 2021

Nouns

Why  and when does the noun la Cucina change to CucinanoGrazie

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - March 10, 2021

lesson 5.6

Hi Can anyone tell me in lesson 5.6 why “Leggo i fumetti ogni giorno”Li leggo  tutti i giorni"Why does it change to plural?Thanks in anticipation.

3 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - March 10, 2021

prepositions

How come when I googled Italian prepositions for Di and AIt came up with a Rocket Italian link with explanations and sentences, but when I searched the Rocket Italian site nothing came up. Am I missing something here?

1 reply - Last post by marieg-rocket languages - March 9, 2021

Yours and Mine

Ciao a tutti.This lesson 4.9 has been the most difficult lesson to get my head around!! I am finding it difficult to think quickly enough to come up with a sentence and in the correct order.Any tips or advice?RegardsGary

3 replies - Last post by Maxie - February 15, 2021

Grammar - past tense.

In lesson 8.3 Roberto uses the phrase Io credo di aver perso. Why is this form used instead of ... ho perso?

8 replies - Last post by Tony1248 - December 23, 2020

Future tense of Mettere

I'm a bit confused in lesson 5.5 where it has  metterò  = (I) will take.  Mettere means to put so future tense first person would be  metterò = I will put. Prendere means to take so future tense first person would be prenderò = I will take.  Is using me...

1 reply - Last post by MichaelS185 - November 16, 2020

grammar buon giorno vs buongiorno

Can anyone tell me why in Rocket buongiorno, and some other greetings are written as 2 words.  Have noticed in several other learning  programs written as one word.

1 reply - Last post by jillian-c2 - November 11, 2020

Verbs again

Hi In the lesson booking into a hotel. Why "ha una camera" when you are asking for a room. Not "Hai una camera"

2 replies - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - October 27, 2020

Mettere vs Porre

Hello,What's the difference between “Mettere” and “Porre”?Thank you!

1 reply - Last post by caterina-rocket-italian-tutor - October 27, 2020

Verbs

I would like to see more verb practice especially in writing, one verb at a time. I really battle to memorize them. Any suggestions where I would find either work sheets or on line practice

1 reply - Last post by Peter--252 - October 15, 2020

When to do Language and Culture Courses?

Basically, title. Should I follow the order, doing the 5-6 audio lessons of each unit, then following that, do the language and culture courses? Should I alternate? Should I do every audio lesson of a level, then go back and do the grammar courses? They ...

1 reply - Last post by marieg-rocket languages - September 28, 2020

Preposition after bisogno

In Grammar lesson 2.7 we have “Loro hanno bisogno”  which means “They need”, or literally “They have need”.In French there is a similar construction “Ils ont besoin de…”, so I wonder if there needs to be a preposition (di  perhaps) in Italian when used in...

2 replies - Last post by Peter--252 - September 27, 2020

Ask a question or post a response

If you want to ask a question or post a response you need to be a member.

If you are already a member login here.
If you are not a member you can become one by taking the free Rocket Italian trial here.