Italian prepositions perform two distinct yet interconnected syntactic functions, operating at different levels of sentence complexity. Their role evolves from introducing concrete complements in simple statements to signaling abstract logical relationships between clauses in complex sentences.
1. Function in simple sentences: introducing indirect complements
In a simple sentence (a single independent clause), prepositions serve as markers of syntactic relationships between the verb and its nominal complements.
a) Complemento di moto a luogo (Motion toward a place)
- Answers: Verso dove? (Toward where?)
- Prepositions: a, in, verso, fino a
- Vado a scuola.
- Viaggiamo in Francia.
- Cammino verso casa.
b) Complemento di modo (manner)
- Answers: Come? In che modo? (How? In what way?)
- Prepositions: con, a, in, di, senza
- Parlo con calma. (I speak calmly.)
- Rispondi a voce alta. (Answer out loud.)
c) Complemento di specificazione (specification/possession)
- Answers: Di chi? Di che cosa? (Whose? Of what?)
- Preposition: di (and its articulated forms)
- Il libro del professore. (The professor’s book.)
- Il colore della casa. (The color of the house.)
d) Complemento di mezzo (means/instrument)
- Answers: Con che cosa? Per mezzo di che cosa? (With what? By means of what?)
- Prepositions: con, a, in, per mezzo di
- Scrivo con la penna. (I write with a pen.)
- Viaggio in treno. (I travel by train.)
- Comunichiamo per email. (We communicate by email.)
e) Complemento di tempo (time)
- Answers: Quando? Per quanto tempo? (When? For how long?)
- Prepositions: a, in, per, di, tra/fra
- Ci vediamo alle tre. (See you at three.)
- Lavoro per due ore. (I work for two hours.)
- Ci sposiamo in primavera. (We’re getting married in spring.)
f) Complemento di causa (cause)
- Answers: Perché? A causa di che cosa? (Why? Because of what?)
- Prepositions: per, di, da, a causa di
- Tremo dal freddo. (I’m shivering with cold.)
- È successo per negligenza. (It happened due to negligence.)
The choice of preposition is lexically governed by the verb, adjective, or noun preceding it. This must often be memorized as a fixed combination:
- Pensare a qualcosa (to think about something)
- Sono sicuro di questo (I am sure of this)
- Il desiderio di viaggiare (the desire to travel)
2. Function in Complex Sentences: Introducing Implicit Subordinate Clauses
In complex sentences (containing a main clause and one or more subordinate clauses), prepositions evolve from introducing noun phrases to introducing reduced or implicit subordinate clauses, typically infinitive constructions.
How prepositions signal different types of implicit subordination:
a) Final clauses (purpose)
- Preposition: per, a, di, al fine di
- Structure: prep + infinitive
- Implicit meaning: “in order to”
- Studio molto per superare l’esame. (I study a lot in order to pass the exam.)
- Vengo a salutarti. (I come to greet you.)
b) Temporal clauses
- Prepositions: prima di, dopo di, durante
- Structure: prep + infinitive (or noun)
- Prima di uscire, chiudi la finestra. (Before going out, close the window.)
- Dopo aver mangiato, faccio una passeggiata. (After eating, I take a walk.)
c) Causal clauses
- Prepositions: per, a causa di, grazie a
- Structure: prep + infinitive (or noun)
- È stato multato per aver parcheggiato in divieto. (He was fined for parking illegally.)
d) Modal clauses (manner)
- Prepositions: a, con, in, senza
- Structure: prep + infinitive
- Mi ha risposto senza esitare. (He answered me without hesitating.)
e) Consecutive clauses (result)
- Sono così stanco da non riuscire a studiare. (I’m so tired that I can’t study.)
f) Concessive clauses (concession)
- Preposition: nonostante, malgrado
- Structure: prep + infinitive (or noun)
- È uscito nonostante la pioggia. (He went out despite the rain.)
3. From a simple sentence to a complex sentence
The transition between these two functions hinges on one fundamental rule: When the subject of the subordinate action differs from the main clause subject, the prepositional construction becomes impossible, and an explicit subordinate clause with “che” + conjugated verb must be used.
- Simple Sentence: Prep + Noun (Verb + Complement)
- Parlo di politica. (I talk about politics.)
- Complex Sentence: Prep + Infinitive. (Same Subject)
- Parlo per spiegare la mia idea. (I talk to explain my idea.)
- Complex Sentence: Explicit Clause (Different Subjects)
- Parlo affinché tu comprenda. (I talk so that you understand.)
Next lesson
Le preposizioni proprie / Proper prepositions.