Function of Italian words (subject, object)
Words can be classified according to their role in a sentence.
| Function | Role | Italian | English |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject | Carries out the action | Il gatto dorme. | The cat is sleeping. |
| Direct Object | Answers question: Who? What? | Io vedo il gatto. | I see the cat. |
| Indirect Object | Answers question: Whom? To/For What? | Io do da mangiare al gatto. | I feed the cat. |
| Complement | Adds further information | Vedo un gatto rosso. | I see a red cat. |
Lesson Outline
HideWhat is a subject?
The subject of the sentence carries out an action determined by the verb.
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Io mangio una mela. | I eat an apple. |
| Mario ha deciso di aprire un ristorante. | Mario decided to open a restaurant. |
| Noi siamo contenti. | We are happy. |
What is an object?
The object of a sentence is a person or element which is affected by the action carried out by the verb.
Objects can be divided in Direct and Indirect Objects.
Direct object
Direct objects answer the questions Who? What? and aren't generally introduced by a prepositions.
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Il vento apre la finestra. | The wind opens the window. |
| Vedo la mia ombra. | I can see my shadow. |
| Portami una penna. | Bring me a pen. |
Indirect object
Indirect objects answers the questions Whom? To/For What? and are generally introduced by a preposition.
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Ho dato il regalo a mia cugina. | I gave the present to my cousin. |
| Il postino ha portato questa lettera per te. | The postman brought this letter for you. |
| L'insegnante parla con il preside. | The teacher is talking with the principal. |
What is a complement?
Complement is a general name for any element that adds further information to the object, the verb, or an object.
Obligatory complements
In some cases, complements are compulsory in order for the sentence to make sense.
Example: Mi ha dato i soldi. (She gave me the money)
Mi/Me and I soldi/The money are complements. This sentence wouldn't make sense if these two elements (or even if just one) were omitted.
It's the verb itself that determines what kinds of complements are needed for the sentence to make sense.
Non-obligatory complements
Sometimes complements are simply added in a sentence to specify new information, for completeness.
Example: Ho visto un vestito [rosso]. (I saw a [red] dress)
Notice how Rosso/Red could be easily omitted and the sentence could still make sense. This is because this kind of complement simply specifies a new, additional, information.
Practise with a private teacher on Skype!
- Private Skype lessons
- Learn any topic
- Flexible appointments
Italian teacher and translator
I teach: Italian
Hello EverybodyMy 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 Read more
Hello, I offer personalized one-on-one lessons for all levels
I teach: Dutch, English, French, Italian
Hello,I would love to help you improve your knowledge of English.I adapt the lessons following your wishes : are you a beginner and need to get... some basic knowledge with grammar and easy texts or do you want to improve your conversation skills. I can help you either way.Looking forward to meeting you ! Read more
Very experienced teacher!
It@lian, English and Spanish with Daniela
I teach: English, Italian, Spanish
Hi everyone!My name is Daniela and I am a qualified Italian language teacher! I teach Italian and English at school, and Spanish and French... as a freelancer. 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! 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! Read more
Very experienced teacher!
