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Impara a esprimere cause con "perché", "per" e "a causa di" e a indicare lo scopo con "per" + infinito, ad esempio: "Non siamo andati perché piove" e "Vado in spiaggia per rilassarmi."
Espressione di causa (Expression of cause)Esempio (Example)
Perché + verbo

Non siamo andati perché piove. (We didn't go because it is raining.)

Sono andato al mare perché amo nuotare. (I went to the sea because I love to swim.)

Per + sostantivo

Abbiamo fatto il viaggio per la cultura. (We made the journey for culture.)

Ho visitato Roma per interesse storico. (I visited Rome for historical interest.)

A causa di + sostantivo negativo

Il volo è in ritardo a causa di un problema. (The flight is delayed because of a problem.)

Non ho fatto la crociera a causa di problemi meteo. (I did not go on the cruise because of weather problems.)

Espressione di proposito (Expression of purpose)Esempio (Example)
Per + infinito

Vado in spiaggia per prendere il sole (I go to the beach to sunbathe)

Vado in vacanza per rilassarmi (I go on holiday to relax)

 

Exercise 1: Esprimere causa e proposito

Instruction: Fill in the correct word.

Show translation Show answers

perché, per, a causa

1.
Lui ha scelto la montagna ... la tranquillità.
(He chose the mountain for the peace and quiet.)
2.
Non sono partito ... del ritardo del volo.
(I did not leave because of the flight delay.)
3.
Ho scelto questa destinazione ... visitare musei storici.
(I chose this destination to visit historical museums.)
4.
Loro hanno scelto la guida ... conosce bene la zona.
(They chose the guide because he knows the area well.)
5.
Non abbiamo fatto la valigia ... dell'imprevisto.
(We didn't pack the suitcase because of the unforeseen event.)
6.
Siamo andati in vacanza ... volevamo rilassarci.
(We went on holiday because we wanted to relax.)
7.
Il turista ha perso l'itinerario ... della confusione.
(The tourist lost the itinerary because of the confusion.)
8.
Abbiamo deciso di partire ... esplorare nuovi luoghi.
(We decided to leave to explore new places.)

Exercise 2: Multiple Choice

Instruction: Choose the correct sentence that expresses cause or purpose appropriately.

1.
Error: after 'because' you need a conjugated verb, not the infinitive.
Error: the verb is missing after 'because', a complete clause is necessary.
2.
Error: 'to' + infinitive does not require an additional preposition like 'at'.
Error: 'because' must be followed by a conjugated verb, not infinitive.
3.
Error: the correct form is 'due to', not 'for cause of'.
Error: missing the preposition 'of' after 'due to'.
4.
Error: to express purpose use 'to' + infinitive, not 'at'.
Error: 'because' requires a conjugated verb, not the infinitive.

Expressing Cause and Purpose in Italian

This lesson focuses on two important types of expressions in Italian: cause (the reason why something happens) and purpose (the goal or intention behind an action). Understanding how to use these expressions helps you explain reasons and objectives clearly in conversation and writing.

Expressions of Cause

Cause expressions explain the reason for an action or event. Common words and phrases used for this are:

  • Perché + conjugated verb (e.g., Non siamo andati perché piove.)
  • Per + noun (e.g., Abbiamo fatto il viaggio per la cultura.)
  • A causa di + negative noun (e.g., Il volo è in ritardo a causa di un problema.)

These structures help you state reasons like weather conditions, motivations, or obstacles.

Expressions of Purpose

Purpose expressions state the intention behind an action. The most common structure is:

  • Per + infinitive verb (e.g., Vado in spiaggia per prendere il sole.)

This shows what someone does something for, such as relaxing or enjoying an activity.

Key Highlights

  • Perché is always followed by a conjugated verb, never an infinitive.
  • Per can be used with nouns to indicate cause, or with infinitives to express purpose.
  • A causa di is followed by a negative noun and used exclusively to express cause, typically reasons that are obstacles or problems.

Comparison with English

In English, "because" corresponds to Italian perché, but remember that in Italian it requires a conjugated verb right after. English often uses "to" + verb (infinitive) for purpose, similar to Italian per + infinitive. The phrase "because of" aligns with a causa di, used for negative causes.

Useful phrases:

  • Non siamo andati perché piove. — We didn’t go because it’s raining.
  • Vado in vacanza per rilassarmi. — I go on vacation to relax.
  • Il volo è in ritardo a causa di problemi meteo. — The flight is delayed because of weather problems.

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Fabio Pirioni

Bachelor in Humanities

University of Udine

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Last Updated:

Tuesday, 02/09/2025 03:39