B1 Italian GrammarComplex Sentence Structure
Master advanced Italian connectors and complex sentence structures. Learn to use conjunctions like sebbene, nonostante, affinché, a meno che, purché, and nel caso che to create sophisticated, nuanced sentences expressing conditions, concessions, and purposes.
1Concessive Conjunctions
Concessive conjunctions introduce clauses that express something contrary to expectations. Common ones include: sebbene, benché, nonostante (che), malgrado (che) - all meaning 'although/even though'. These typically require the subjunctive mood in Italian.
Concessive Conjunctions
| Italian | English | Mood Required |
|---|---|---|
| sebbene | although | subjunctive |
| benché | although | subjunctive |
| nonostante (che) | despite/although | subjunctive |
| malgrado (che) | despite/although | subjunctive |
| anche se | even if | indicative |
| pur + gerund | although/while | (no finite verb) |
Examples
Sebbene sia stanco, continuo a lavorare.
Although I'm tired, I keep working.
sebbene + subjunctive (sia)
Nonostante piova, esco lo stesso.
Despite it raining, I'm going out anyway.
nonostante + subjunctive (piova)
Anche se fa freddo, vado a correre.
Even if it's cold, I go running.
anche se + indicative (fa)
Pur essendo malato, è venuto al lavoro.
Although he was sick, he came to work.
pur + gerund (essendo)
2Purpose and Result Conjunctions
Purpose conjunctions express the goal of an action. Key ones include: affinché, perché (so that), in modo che (so that). These require the subjunctive. Result conjunctions like così...che, tanto...che (so...that) describe consequences and use indicative.
Purpose and Result
| Type | Italian | English | Mood |
|---|---|---|---|
| purpose | affinché | so that | subjunctive |
| purpose | perché | so that | subjunctive |
| purpose | in modo che | so that | subjunctive |
| result | così...che | so...that | indicative |
| result | tanto...che | so much...that | indicative |
Examples
Ti chiamo affinché tu sappia la verità.
I'm calling you so that you know the truth.
affinché + subjunctive (sappia)
Parlo lentamente perché tu capisca.
I speak slowly so that you understand.
perché (purpose) + subjunctive
Era così stanco che si è addormentato subito.
He was so tired that he fell asleep immediately.
così...che + indicative (result)
Ha parlato tanto che ha perso la voce.
He talked so much that he lost his voice.
tanto...che + indicative
3Conditional Conjunctions
Beyond simple 'se' (if), Italian has several conditional conjunctions: a meno che (non) (unless), purché (provided that), a condizione che (on condition that), nel caso che (in case). Most require subjunctive and express specific conditions.
Conditional Conjunctions
| Italian | English | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| a meno che (non) | unless | subjunctive |
| purché | provided that | subjunctive |
| a condizione che | on condition that | subjunctive |
| nel caso (in cui) | in case | subjunctive |
| qualora | if/in the event that | subjunctive |
Examples
Vengo, a meno che non piova.
I'll come, unless it rains.
a meno che non + subjunctive
Ti aiuto purché tu mi paghi.
I'll help you provided you pay me.
purché + subjunctive (paghi)
Porta l'ombrello nel caso piova.
Bring an umbrella in case it rains.
nel caso + subjunctive
Qualora avessi bisogno, chiamami.
Should you need anything, call me.
qualora + imperfect subjunctive
4Time and Manner Conjunctions
Advanced time conjunctions include: prima che (before), dopo che (after), finché (non) (until), non appena (as soon as). Manner conjunctions include: come se (as if), senza che (without). Come se always requires imperfect subjunctive.
Time and Manner Conjunctions
| Italian | English | Mood |
|---|---|---|
| prima che | before | subjunctive |
| dopo che | after | indicative |
| finché (non) | until | subjunctive/indicative |
| non appena | as soon as | indicative |
| come se | as if | impf. subjunctive |
| senza che | without | subjunctive |
Examples
Chiamami prima che tu parta.
Call me before you leave.
prima che + subjunctive (parta)
Aspetto finché non arrivi tu.
I'll wait until you arrive.
finché non + subjunctive
Parla come se sapesse tutto.
He talks as if he knew everything.
come se + impf. subjunctive
È uscito senza che nessuno lo vedesse.
He left without anyone seeing him.
senza che + subjunctive