Teaching guidelines +/- 15 minutes

This lesson covers Italian conjunctions, including 'e' (and), 'o' (or), 'se' (if), 'ma' (but), and 'però' (however). It explains their uses and examples, highlights special forms like 'ed' and 'od' used before certain words, and provides useful phrases to enhance learners' sentence-building skills at level A1.
  1. 'E' connects similar elements.
  2. 'O' is used to offer alternatives.
  3. 'Se' introduces a condition.
  4. 'Ma' expresses a contrast.
CongiunzioneEsempio
EMangio la pizza e bevo l'acqua.
OPreferisci il tè o il caffè?
SeSe piove, non andiamo al parco.
MaVoglio uscire, ma è troppo tardi.
PeròMi piace il gelato, però non mangio spesso dolci.

Exceptions!

  1. "E" changes to "ed" before words that begin with e-. Example: "primavera ed estate".
  2. "O" changes to "od" before words that begin with o-. Example: "carne od ortaggi".

Exercise 1: Le congiunzioni

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

ma, e, Se, o

1.
Luca è simpatico, ... un po' timido.
(Luca is nice, but a bit shy.)
2.
Voglio uscire, ... è troppo tardi.
(I want to go out, but it is too late.)
3.
Mangio la pizza ... bevo l'acqua.
(I eat the pizza and drink the water.)
4.
"Studia molto, ... ottiene buoni voti.
(He studies a lot and gets good grades.)
5.
Puoi scegliere tra pasta ... riso.
(You can choose between pasta or rice.)
6.
... piove, non andiamo al parco.
(If it rains, we do not go to the park.)
7.
... hai fame, mangia qualcosa.
(If you are hungry, eat something.)
8.
Preferisci il tè ... il caffè?
(Do you prefer tea or coffee?)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct solution

1. Mangio la pasta ___ bevo l'acqua.

(I eat pasta ___ drink water.)

2. Preferisci il tè ___ il caffè?

(Do you prefer tea ___ coffee?)

3. ___ piove, non andiamo al parco.

(___ it rains, we don't go to the park.)

4. Voglio uscire, ___ è troppo tardi.

(I want to go out, ___ it is too late.)

5. Mangio frutta ___ estate.

(I eat fruit ___ summer.)

6. Preferisco carne ___ ortaggi.

(I prefer meat ___ vegetables.)

Understanding Italian Conjunctions

In this lesson, you will explore Italian conjunctions, essential words that connect parts of sentences, such as words, phrases, or clauses. These connectors are fundamental in creating fluid and meaningful sentences.

Key Conjunctions and Their Uses

  • E (and): Links similar elements, for example, "Mangio la pizza e bevo l'acqua." This conjunction sometimes changes to ed before words starting with "e-" (e.g., "primavera ed estate").
  • O (or): Offers alternatives, as in "Preferisci il tè o il caffè?" It can change to od before words starting with "o-" (e.g., "carne od ortaggi").
  • Se (if): Introduces a condition, shown in "Se piove, non andiamo al parco."
  • Ma (but): Expresses contrast, like "Voglio uscire, ma è troppo tardi."
  • Però (however): Also marks contrast, for instance, "Mi piace il gelato, però non mangio spesso dolci."

Important Notes

Note that Italian conjunctions can slightly change form for smoother pronunciation, which is a feature not commonly present in English. For example, "e" may become "ed" and "o" may become "od" depending on the following word's initial sound. This ensures a more fluid and natural spoken flow.

Helpful Vocabulary and Phrases

  • E – and
  • O – or
  • Se – if
  • Ma – but
  • Però – however

Understanding these conjunctions will greatly improve your ability to combine ideas and express complex thoughts clearly in Italian.

Written by

This content has been designed and reviewed by the coLanguage pedagogical team: About coLanguage

Profile Picture

Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

University_Logo

Last Updated:

Tuesday, 15/07/2025 03:11