Easy Learning Italian Grammar (2011)

INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION FOR STUDENTS

Whether you are starting to learn Italian for the very first time, brushing up on topics you have studied in class, or revising for your GCSE exams, the Easy Learning Italian Grammar is here to help. This easy-to-use guide takes you through all the basics you will need to speak and understand modern everyday Italian.

Learners sometimes struggle with the technical terms they come across when they start to explore the grammar of a new language. The Easy Learning Italian Grammar explains how to get to grips with all the parts of speech you will need to know, using simple language and cutting out jargon.

The text is divided into sections, each dealing with a particular area of grammar. Each section can be studied individually, as numerous cross-references in the text point you to relevant points in other sections of the book for further information.

Every major section begins with an explanation of the area of grammar covered on the following pages. For quick reference, these definitions are also collected together on pages viii-xii in a glossary of essential grammatical terms.

What is a verb?

A verb is a word which describes what somebody or something does, what they are, or what happens to them, for example, play, be, disappear.

Each grammar point in the text is followed by simple examples of real Italian, complete with English translations, to help you understand the rules. Underlining has been used in examples throughout the text to highlight the grammatical point being explained.

To say the one in Italian use quello to refer to masculine nouns or quella to refer to feminine nouns. The relative pronoun is che.

In Italian, as with any foreign language, there are certain pitfalls which have to be avoided. Tips and Information notes throughout the text are useful reminders of the things that often trip learners up.

Tip

When you translate an English sentence which starts with a noun, don’t forget to use the definite article in Italian.

Key points sum up all the important facts about a particular area of grammar, to save you time when you are revising and help you focus on the main grammatical points.

Key points

Most Italian adjectives go after the noun.

The meaning of some adjectives changes depending on whether they come before or after the noun.

If you think you would like to continue with your Italian studies to a higher level, look at the Grammar Extra sections. These are intended for advanced students who are interested in knowing a little more about the structures they will come across beyond GCSE.

Grammar Extra!

To say that something is getting better and better, worse and worse, slower and slower, and so on, use sempre with the comparative adverb.

Finally, the supplement at the end of the book contains Verb Tables, where 90 important Italian verbs (both regular and irregular) are declined in full. Examples show you how to use these verbs in your own work. If you are unsure of how a verb declines in Italian, you can look up the Verb Index on pages 92-96 to find either the conjugation of the verb itself, or a cross-reference to a model verb, which will show you the pattern that verb follows.

FOREWORD FOR LANGUAGE TEACHERS

The Easy Learning Italian Grammar is designed to be used with both young and adult learners, as a group reference book to complement your course book during classes, or as a recommended text for self-study and homework/coursework.

The text specifically targets learners from beginners to intermediate or GCSE level, and therefore its structural content and vocabulary have been matched to the relevant specifications up to and including Higher GCSE.

The approach aims to develop knowledge and understanding of grammar and to improve the ability of learners to apply it by:

defining parts of speech at the start of each major section, with examples in English to clarify concepts

minimizing the use of grammar terminology and providing clear explanations of terms both within the text and in the Glossary

illustrating all points with examples (and their translations) based on topics and contexts which are relevant to beginner and intermediate course content

The text helps you develop positive attitudes to grammar learning in your classes by:

giving clear, easy-to-follow explanations

prioritizing content according to relevant specifications for the levels

sequencing points to reflect course content, e.g. verb tenses

highlighting useful Tips to deal with common difficulties

summarizing Key points at the end of sections to consolidate learning

In addition to fostering success and building a thorough foundation in Italian grammar, the optional Grammar Extra sections will encourage and challenge your learners to further their studies to higher and advanced levels.