Italian conditional sentences (if-clauses)
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If-clauses are used to express a possible consequence.
There are 3 main kinds and each one conveys a different degree of probability.
Type 1 conditional (Reality If-Clause)
Type 2 conditional (Possibility If-Clause)
Type 3 conditional (Impossibility If-Clause)
The structure is essentially the same for all three types of if-clauses.
If-clauses are introduced by the adverb Se (If).
The If-Clause can precede or follow the main clause.
If-clauses (1): Se + Clause + Comma + Main clause
Italian | English |
---|---|
Se non ti conoscessi, penserei tu sia un ragazzo stupido. | If I didn't know you, I'd think you were a stupid guy. |
Se piove, il terreno è bagnato. | If it rains, the ground is wet. |
Se tu mi avessi ascoltato, ora non saremmo qui. | If you had listened to me, we wouldn't have ended up here. |
If-clauses (2): Main clause + Se + Clause
Italian | English |
---|---|
Avremmo comprato i biglietti se tu fossi stato più veloce. | We would've gotten the tickets if you had been faster. |
Usciremmo insieme se non avessi così tanto lavoro da fare. | We would go out together if I didn't have so much work to do. |
Andrebbe tutto bene se tu non rovinassi sempre le cose. | Everything would be alright if you didn't always mess things up. |
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The hypothesis introduced in the If-clause is highly probable.
In both the main and iI-clause, the verb is on the imperative or indicative mood.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Se fuori piove, prendo un ombrello. | If it rains outise, I take an umbrella. |
Ti pago una cena se mi aiuti. | I'll offer you a dinner if you help me out. |
Se il computer non si accende, premi questo tasto. | If the computer doesn't turn on, push this button. |
In this case, the hyphotesis expressed in the if-clause is possible but not certain.
The main clause takes an imperfect subjunctive, whereas the if-clause has a verb in the imperative or conditional mood.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Se ti chiedesse qualcosa, tu nega tutto. | If he asks you something, deny everything. |
Se il treno oggi arrivasse in orario, sarei felice. | If today the train arrived on time, I'd be happy. |
Se Maria fosse più gentile, nessuno la odierebbe. | If Maria were kinder, nobody would hate her. |
In this last case, the hyphotesis has no chance of being fullfilled.
If the hyphothesis refers to a present time, the main clause has a present or past conditional verb and the if-clause has an imperfect subjunctive verb.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Se fossi in te, lascerei perdere. | If I were you, I'd just let go. |
Se vincessi, non so cosa farei. | If I won, I don't know what I would do. |
Se fossi il direttore, cambierei molte cose. | If I were the director, I'd change many things. |
If the hyphothesis refers to a past time, tha main clause has a past conditional verb and the if-clause past perfect subjunctive verb.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Se fossi stato in te, avrei lasciato perdere. | If I had been you, I would have just let it go. |
Se avessi vinto il premio, l'avrei dedicato a mia sorella. | If I had won the prize, I woud have dedicated it to my sister. |
Se avvessero seguito i miei consigli, non avrebbero perso il lavoro. | If they had followed my advice, they wouldn't have lost their job. |
Some hypothesis could be built using mixed verb structures.
These sentences express the direct consequence on the present of a possible past action.
The main clause takes a present conditional verb and the if-clause takes a past perfect subjunctive.
Italian | English |
---|---|
Se avessimo ascoltato il loro consiglio, ora saremmo ricchi. | If we had listened to their advice, we would be rich now. |
Se non avesse incontrato Anna, sarebbe ancora single. | If he hadn't met Anna, he would still be single. |
Se non avesse trovato un lavoro, sarebbe disoccupato. | If he hadn't found a job he would be unemployed. |
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Hello, everybody ! My name is Elena. I’m a native Italian speaker, I’m 49 years old and live in Turin. I am a certified CEDILS teacher, I graduated in Foreign Languages and Literature in Milan and have been working as a teacher of Italian for more than 10 years. I speak English and German. I attended specialization courses for Italian L2 teachers and I am interviewer for C1 PLIDA exam.
Are you seeking a friendly and dynamic study environment ? I got what you need. I am looking forward to being in touch with new students and organize pleasant, interesting and fruitful courses.
Do you wish to learn or improve your Italian to speak with your parents or friends? Do you need Italian for work or study ? Do you simply love Italian language and culture ? Do you need to improve your writing skills ?
My classes are tailored on your needs and considering your level of knowledge, I create a proper course plan. Classes focus on language and on the possibility for you to improve your ability to speak and understand Italian in your daily life or in work.
I offer 1-to-1 or 2-to-1 tuition, general Italian courses (grammar, conversation, listening, reading and writing), preparation to Italian examinations (all levels, also Italian for residence permit) and Italian and culture courses.
Grammar, vocabulary exercises, reading articles and magazines and talking together are all tools to feel at ease with the Italian language and then be able to practice it.
I have worked with children, adolescents and adults for all levels of Italian, from beginner to advanced. I have experience in preparing students to international certification (CILS, PLIDA). I was an A2/B1 Telc examiner.
Learning Italian can be closely related to culture, literature, music, sport and any other interest of my students.
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Elena is an excellent, experienced teacher. A true professional. She is patient with my beginner-level Italian language skills. She will quickly assess your skill level (or lack thereof) and present an appropriate level of instruction to ensure rapid growth. She will encourage you to use Italian during lessons to expedite your learning curve. I highly recommend her.
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Hi, my name is Alessia, I teach Italian to foreigners.
I got a degree in "DAMS" (Disciplines of Arts, Music, and Entertainment), a degree in "Italian Literature, language, and Culture - Cultural Promotion Curriculum", the CEDILS certification from the Ca' Foscari University of Venice for the teaching of 'Italian to foreigners and I am a CELI examiner of the CEDIS Lazio network. I have collaborated on various educational projects, language learning apps, and educational and recreational videos for children.
I am available to help you with your projects if you need help writing for example a theme, a letter, or your curriculum vitae.
An example of one of my lessons to learn the language in a more fun way? Through the analysis of a scene taken from an Italian film, we will analyze the syntax, grammar, idioms, and puns, we will hear the accents so that you too can speak like an Italian.
I can help you learn Italian in many ways, personalizing the lessons as much as possible according to your needs.
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Alessia is a goal-oriented and very professional teacher who I can recommend highly. She targets a students weak points allowing one to improve rapidly. We worked with various mediums e.g. documentaries, textbooks, written and verbal exercises, all specifically chosen to meet the needs and interests of the student.
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Responds to needs and also suggests alternatives. Perfect all around. I can only recommend it to everyone.
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Ciao! My name is Giorgio, I live few kilometers away from Rome and I am a native speaking Italian tutor, certified with the DITALS Level II (Università per Stranieri di Siena).
Words, their amazing mixture of sounds and ideas, have enchanted me for as long as I can remember, along with their multiple expressive nuances and communicative potential. That is the reason why, after my philosophy degree in 2017, I started my apprenticeship in a renowned institute in Rome while volunteering in a school for immigrants. After getting my teaching certification, in 2019 I worked at an Italian language and culture center in Montpellier (France). When I came back to Italy, I continued teaching at a school and as a freelance, both face-to-face and online.
In my work I aim to teach a language that is authentic and functional to deal with the most common communicative situations for those who travel or live in Italy. How? Firstly, I only speak Italian during classes, since the beginner’s level, and I pay constant attention to pragmatic and intercultural aspects of communication. Secondly, I use all kinds of supports and I gradually introduce more complex structures and specific uses. The choice of the topics is based on the interests and needs of each student. Language is always a mean to convey culture and many people approach Italian driven by curiosity for Italian food, music, fashion, literature, lifestyle, cinema. These all are regular topics of my classes, through which I try to convey a multifaceted image of my country. I have a true passion for metalinguistic reflection and I am happy to answer to students’ questions, but I generally prefer guiding them to the autonomous discovery of grammar rules, through an inductive process. I am very patient and I always try to establish a positive environment, where errors are chances to learn and not something to be ashamed of. I believe in the importance of promoting students’ responsibility in their learning process, stimulating their commitment and valuing their learning styles. Fun and gratification are a more powerful drive than mere obligation.
I provide texts and materials to work on in class and to revise at home. In order to reach the best results in all the communicative skills, I always enrich my classes with visual support, listening activities, videos, games.
If you are looking for a relaxed and friendly environment to learn Italian, contact me for a free trial lesson! We will get to know each other and arrange the work to do together. A presto!
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My Italian lessons with Giorgio have been so worthwhile. Each lesson is very structured and well- prepared. The teaching material is excellent. His friendly demeanor throughout the lesson always inspires interest, encourages and fosters self-confidence. Giorgio is capable of treating his students according to their individual needs. I continuously progress in my studies. He's always willing to go an extra- mile in order to clear any doubts or uncertainties. I highly recommend Giorgio to anyone who wants to learn, improve and master Italian on a high level and who's looking for a teacher out of the ordinary.
Giorgio V.Caro, thank you very much for these gratifying words! I am glad you are so satisfied with our lessons. Thanks to your growing confidence with the language and your natural determination, you can get great results. Keep up the good work!
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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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Luisa is very patient and personable. I tend to want to understand the rules that underlie the conversation and she takes the time to explain them to me (as well as all the deviations from the rules of which there are a few in Italian). Working with her got me through living in Italy for 3+ months and I look forward to continuing our lessons well into the future.
Luisa A.Dear Juliet thank you, thank you so much !!!!! you improve because you're a good student !!!!
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I am so excited to be your new teacher. I have been teaching for 8 years as a Foundation Phase Teacher.
I would love to help you develop your English speaking abilities, by using TPR (Total Physical Response), props, we can even play some games and sing some songs together. If you would like, I could even read you a story.
I look forward to meeting you in our new classroom!
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Louise is a very kind teacher with materials based on what you want to learn. I totally recommend her.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
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Hello, I'm Paul originally from London, I've been teaching adults for 9 years online and in person, individually and in groups. I'm passionate about teaching and helping people improve their communication, I really like travelling and realise how important english can be for people's jobs and social lives so I do whatever I can so my students reach their objectives.
I love hearing people's opinions and discussing lots of subjects and I base my classes on your interests.
I have a very high success rate preparing students for exams and can offer some great tips and advice to help you pass whatever exam you're studying for.
If you'd like to meet to discuss your needs select a free lesson and you can see if you think I'm the right person to help you with your English. I look forward to hearing from you soon. Thanks!
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Paul is a well-structrured, certified and experienced teacher. He is passionate about teaching English and is a very good choice as a teacher.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
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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).
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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!!
Elena P.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!
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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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Luisa is pleasant and very focused, I purchased 12 lessons after the first lesson with Luisa because I felt confident that she will teach me Italian at a level I’m able to follow with. I can’t wait to get stuck on and learn! :)
Luisa A.Thank you Julian !!! Thank you so much !!
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I am a private teacher in English, German and Italian. I am a Master's graduate in Translation and Interpreting at the University of Genoa, Italy. I am Italian native speaker. I know English and German at C2 level and Russian at B2 level.
I have been studying English for the last 15 years, first at school and then at the university and I have improved it on my frequent stays abroad. I have now been teaching English for 4 years, first to school children and teenagers and now adults too. I have experience teaching online and at home. I also have taught group classes.
Being fluent in several languages allows me to give students further explainations in their native language when needed. This also allows me to put myself in my students' shoes and understand better their difficulties. I try to meet the student's personal needs and objectives rather than impose my standard class.
During my classes I focus on the active skills of language, speaking and writing. I often ask students to do presentations so they practice writing and speaking at once. I strongly encourage self-studying along with frontal teaching in order to considerably shorten learning time. Homework is for me as important as frontal classes. If needed, I can provide students with textbooks and online material such as videos, news, songs and textes.
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Federico is an exceptional teacher. He is patient, knowledgable and makes learning much less stressful. In the short time I've been working with him I feel that my Italian has grown so much faster. He has so many resources to share with his students and helps to coach me through the difficult parts of language learning! I highly recommend him to anyone wanted to learn Italian, it is truly a wonderful experience.
Federico C.Thank you Dan for the great review! A student like you makes everything easier. I hope to continue like that!
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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).
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Elena is a great teacher, she is extremely accessible, knowledgeable and will work with you to develop the best approach that works best for you. My husband and I have had multiple lessons now and we enjoy it a lot and look forward every week to the next lesson!
Elena P.Thank you for your feedback, Marja. It's a real pleasure to work with you and your husband. I am very satisfied of the results that you both have achieved in such a short time!
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My name is Jay and I'm from Morocco I love to teach English and share my knowledge of Moroccan and western culture with young students.
My degree is in English Studies. I possess a CELTA certificate as well and I have also worked for 7 years in both Morocco and China.
I like basketball and going to the gym.
I believe the most effective way to feel comfortable and confident with learning English is to enjoy having conversations with a teacher who guides students in lessons that are fun and interesting, with plenty of congratulations and corrections where necessary!
I am friendly, motivated, funny, and more importantly patient.
And I love to teach children and adults.
I hope and look forward to seeing you, in one of my classes soon.
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Jalal is a teacher with experience in several countries with lots of passion about teaching English.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
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I am from Calabria, but over the years I have felt at home in various places. In each one I have searched for my way and in the end in each one I have found little clues that have allowed me to understand that I want to teach my language to those who do not yet know it.
I have always loved the word, its power and the infinite possibilities it offers; at first I only thought of writing it down but there was still something missing. What use is the word if it is not shared, if it does not become an opportunity for exchange between cultures, or better, between individuals?
So, between one suitcase and another, I graduated in Italian literature and specialised in journalism, then I obtained the Ditals II from the University for Foreigners of Siena and the two-year specialisation school as a teacher of Italian to foreigners at the same university.
I have been teaching Italian for more than ten years: in Italy in state schools, in schools for adult migrants (Cpia in Modena and Rome) and in public schools; abroad at the Dante Alighieri in Valletta and at the University of Cork.
I have a passion for music, cinema, documentaries and photography, different mo(n)es which allow me to learn and tell stories.
Step by step I have become more and more aware of how much I love this job which has given me the opportunity to meet wonderfully unique people, now very often friends.
I look forward to sharing more details of my experience and motivations with you. Thank you for your time consideration.
Sincerely,
Federica Lento
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Just great experience! Thank you. To be continued. What a nice and easy platform. Good and interesting teacher.. Congradulations. Nina
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Hi, guys! My name is Lucia and I would like to invite you to learn Italian with me.
I am both a native speaker and a QUALIFIED teacher, as I hold a post-graduate degree in “Teaching Italian as a second language” and a national certification as teacher of Italian to not-native speaking.
My teaching method is COMMUNICATION-oriented and involves also the study of Italian culture and grammar. Indeed, as it happens in your mother language, the knowledge of spare words is not enough to get able to speak (i.e. INTERACT!) properly and conveniently.
I’ll prepare for you all teaching materials, tailoring lessons to your needs and interests, taking advantage from both the huge number of textbooks I hold and my creativity!
I offer lessons for all levels, from absolute beginners to advanced, as well as support in preparation to certification exams (I am also qualified ad examiner for the oral part of CELI).
Do not hesitate to get in contact with me to find a suitable time-slot for your trial lesson!
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Lucia is an excellent teacher of the Italian language with an excellent methodology, with a perfectly organized and individualized teaching program that meets the needs and level of each student and with a willingness to offer multidimensional tools to achieve the purpose of the courses. At the same time, she is an extremely noble and pleasant person, with amazing contagion in her field! An excellent teacher whom I feel extremely lucky to have met!
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