O.K., today we have one of those topics that Italian teachers love to confuse people with – tense agreement – otherwise known as ‘concordanze verbali’.
Sounds horrible, doesn’t it?
But when it comes down to it, the lesson is just a list of regularities showing how the verb in a main clause (“I think…”) works together with the verb in a subordinate clause (“…this will confuse you.”)
And clearly, there are lots of possibilities, which can be intimidating.
Especially if you only have a fuzzy idea about the names of the tenses and so such.
But don’t give up – there are two exercises to accompany the explanation.
If you find them hard, try this.
Start by pressing the ‘answers’ button and reading the whole sentence with the correct answer included.
Yes, that’s cheating. But I give you permission. Go right ahead.
You could even translate them into English.
Then, take a break. Go to the gelateria and get an icecream, or try that new ‘aperitivo’ bar… I hear they do an expert martini.
Poi, refreshed, it’s back to work.
This time, try the exercise properly. See if you can remember what the correct verb form was supposed to be in each sentence (the martini should help…)
And if the results are less than stellar, not to worry.
Failing can be useful.
Knowing what you don’t know is a good first step to fixing it, right?
Go back to our Italian Lessons homepage and brush up on the tenses that are giving you grief.
So, ready to begin improving your Italian??
Excellent. Here are the links you need to get studying:
“No, no! This is all way too hard for me!”
Ah ha! I anticipated that it might be. Not to worry!
This week’s new easy reader, ‘La sorpresa‘, is level A1 (the first of six). It was written especially for students who are just starting out with Italian.
You’ll like it, and more importantly, it’s easy! But don’t take my word for it…
Download the FREE sample chapter (.pdf).
It’s readable on a computer, tablet or smartphone, or even on an e-reader, for example Kindle or Kobo (though that way, you don’t get the audio…)
If the sample chapter works for you, the full version of ‘La sorpresa‘ is on offer, this first week only, at a 25% discount on the usual reader price.
- Get the full version of ‘La sorpresa’ – just €7.50!
- Other e-books
- Online Italian lessons
- Browse our shop
That’s it for today. Gotta go teach. More on Friday!