The adjective grande (great)
1. The adjective (grande) with masculine and feminine nouns in the singular
a). Grande is used before all nouns starting with s + consonant, or z:
- Il grande studioso (the great scholar).
- La grande stanza (the big room).
- Il grande Zweig (the great Zweig).
- La grande zona (the large area).
b). Grand’ can be used before all nouns starting with a vowel:
- Un grand’uomo (a great man).
- Una grand’idea (a great idea).
c). Gran can be used before nouns starting with a consonant:
- Un gran generale (a great general).
- Una gran donna (a great woman).
2. The adjective (grande) with masculine and feminine nouns in the plural.
a). Grandi is used before all nouns starting with s + consonant, or z:
- Dei grandi studiosi (some great scholars).
- Delle grandi stanze (some large rooms).
- Delle grandi zone (some large areas).
b). Grand’ can be used before all nouns starting with a vowel:
- Dei grand’uomini (grandi uomini).
- Some great men.
- Una grand’idea (grandi idee).
- Some great ideas.
c). Gran can be used before nouns starting with a consonant:
- Dei gran generali (grandi generali).
- Some great generals.
- Delle gran donne (grandi donne).
- Some great women.
The adjective santo (holy/saint)
1. Sant’ is used before all nouns starting with a vowel:
- Sant’Antonio (Saint Anthony).
- Sant’Elia (Saint Elias).
- Sant’Agostino (Saint Augustine).
2. San can is used before nouns starting with a consonant:
- San Giusto (Saint Giusto).
- San Francesco (Saint Francesco).
- San Tommaso (Saint Tommaso).
If the adjective (grande) or (santo) follows the noun, it remains unchanged.
- La casa è grande (the house is big).
- Il luogo è santo (the place is holy).
Next lesson:
Forme degli aggettivi / Forms of adjectives.