How do I revise Grammar for AQA GCSE?

Always check the gender and the first letter of the noun before choosing an article.

What exam tips are there for Grammar? (2)

Remember that 'lo' and 'gli' are used for nouns starting with 's' + consonant, 'z', 'gn', 'ps', 'pn', 'x', 'y', and 'z'.

What exam tips are there for Grammar? (3)

Use 'un'' (with an apostrophe) for feminine nouns starting with a vowel.

What mistakes should I avoid in Grammar?

Confusing 'lo' and 'il' before nouns starting with 's' + consonant.

What are common errors in Grammar exams? (2)

Incorrectly using 'un' instead of 'uno' before masculine nouns starting with 's' + consonant or 'z'.

Grammar

AQA

GCSE

This subtopic covers the use of definite and indefinite articles in Italian, including the partitive article.

Objectives

Exam Tips

Pitfalls

Key Terms

Mark Points

Subtopics in this area

Grammar

Topic Overview

Grammar is the backbone of the Italian language. In the AQA GCSE Italian course, grammar covers the essential rules for constructing accurate sentences, including verb tenses (present, perfect, imperfect, future, conditional), noun-adjective agreement, pronouns, prepositions, and conjunctions. Mastering these structures allows you to express yourself clearly in both written and spoken Italian, moving beyond isolated vocabulary to form coherent ideas.

Understanding grammar is crucial for achieving higher grades in your GCSE. The AQA specification explicitly tests grammatical accuracy in all four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. For example, in the writing exam, using a range of tenses correctly can move you from a grade 4 to a grade 7 or above. Grammar also helps you decode unfamiliar words in reading and listening by recognising patterns, such as verb endings or gender markers.

Grammar fits into the wider subject by providing the framework for communication. Without it, even a wide vocabulary is just a list of words. As you progress through the course, you will build on basic structures (like the present tense) and gradually incorporate more complex ones (like the subjunctive or conditional clauses). This systematic approach mirrors how Italian is used in real-life contexts, from ordering food to discussing future plans.

What You Need to Demonstrate

Key skills and knowledge for this topic

Correct selection of definite articles based on gender and number (il, lo, la, i, gli, le).
Correct selection of indefinite articles based on gender (un, uno, una, un').
Correct use of partitive articles to express 'some' or 'any' (del, dello, della, dei, degli, delle).
Correct application of articles before nouns starting with specific letters (e.g., s+consonant, z, gn, ps, pn, x, y, z).
Correct usage of common expressions of quantity (e.g., abbastanza, mezzo, molto, poco, un po’, tanto, troppo, quanto, quarto).
Accurate application of quantifiers in context.
Appropriate use of intensifiers to modify adjectives or adverbs.
Correct conjugation of regular and irregular verbs

Marking Points

Key points examiners look for in your answers

Correct selection of definite articles based on gender and number (il, lo, la, i, gli, le).
Correct selection of indefinite articles based on gender (un, uno, una, un').
Correct use of partitive articles to express 'some' or 'any' (del, dello, della, dei, degli, delle).
Correct application of articles before nouns starting with specific letters (e.g., s+consonant, z, gn, ps, pn, x, y, z).
Correct usage of common expressions of quantity (e.g., abbastanza, mezzo, molto, poco, un po’, tanto, troppo, quanto, quarto).
Accurate application of quantifiers in context.
Appropriate use of intensifiers to modify adjectives or adverbs.
Correct conjugation of regular and irregular verbs
Accurate use of reflexive verbs
Correct application of tenses (present, imperfect, immediate future, perfect, conditional)
Appropriate use of modes of address (tu, voi, Lei)
Correct use of impersonal verbs (fa, bisogna)
Accurate agreement in perfect tenses with avere and essere
Correct usage of common prepositions (a, da, di, in, su, con, entro, fra, per, senza, tra).
Correct formation and usage of compound prepositions (e.g., vicino a, senza di, lontano da).
Accurate application of contracted forms (prepositions + definite article).
Correct use of 'da' with the present tense.
Correct use of 'da' with the imperfect tense (Higher Tier).
Correct use of coordinating conjunctions (e/ed, ma, o, oppure).
Correct use of subordinating conjunctions (quando, perché, anche se, poiché, se).
Ability to use conjunctions to create complex sentences and improve flow.
Appropriate selection of conjunctions based on the intended meaning (e.g., contrast, cause, time).
Correct identification and use of subject pronouns including 'si'.
Accurate application of direct and indirect object pronouns.
Correct use of reflexive pronouns.
Appropriate use of relative pronouns such as 'che' and 'cui'.
Correct usage of disjunctive/emphatic pronouns.
Accurate use of demonstrative and indefinite pronouns.
Correct placement of object pronouns (especially in relation to infinitives or gerunds).
Correct use of interrogative pronouns (chi, che, cosa, quanto/a, quanti/e).
Correct gender and number agreement between the adjective and the noun it modifies.
Correct placement of the adjective (usually after the noun, though some common adjectives precede it).
Accurate formation of comparative and superlative structures (e.g., più di, meno di, il più, il meno).
Correct usage of demonstrative adjectives (questo, quello).
Correct usage of possessive adjectives (short and long forms).
Correct usage of interrogative adjectives (qual, quale, quali).
Correct use of di and che after comparatives.
Correct formation of adverbs using the -mente suffix (e.g., felice – felicemente, lento – lentamente).
Accurate use of comparative and superlative forms of adverbs.
Correct application of interrogative adverbs (come, quando).
Appropriate use of adverbs of time and place (oggi, domani, qui, qua).
Correct usage of common adverbial phrases and the expression 'ecco'.
Correct identification of gender (masculine/feminine).
Correct formation of singular and plural forms.
Correct application of common irregular nouns (e.g., la mano, il cinema, il/la ciclista, la foto, gli uomini).
Correct use of cardinal numbers (0-1,000 and 1,000,000)
Correct use of ordinal numbers (first to twenty-first)
Accurate expression of time and dates
Correct application of common quantity expressions
Correct placement of 'non' before the verb.
Correct use of double negatives (e.g., 'non... mai', 'non... niente').
Understanding the function of negative pronouns like 'nessuno' and 'niente' when used with 'non'.
Correct usage of 'né... né' for 'neither... nor'.

Examiner Tips

Expert advice for maximising your marks

💡Always check the gender and the first letter of the noun before choosing an article.
💡Remember that 'lo' and 'gli' are used for nouns starting with 's' + consonant, 'z', 'gn', 'ps', 'pn', 'x', 'y', and 'z'.
💡Use 'un'' (with an apostrophe) for feminine nouns starting with a vowel.
💡Practice the partitive article as it is a common area for marks in writing tasks.
💡Practice using quantifiers in different contexts (e.g., food, time, distance) to ensure versatility.
💡Learn the specific agreements for quantifiers that change based on gender and number.
💡Use intensifiers to add detail and complexity to your writing and speaking tasks.
💡Ensure you can distinguish between the use of avere and essere in the perfect tense
💡Practice the most common irregular verbs as they appear frequently in all papers
💡Pay attention to the mode of address required by the context of the task
💡Use the notes allowed in the speaking exam to list complex verb conjugations if needed
💡Remember that impersonal verbs like 'bisogna' are followed by the infinitive
💡Memorize the list of common prepositions and their contracted forms as they are essential for accurate writing and reading comprehension.
💡Pay close attention to the context when using 'da', as its meaning changes depending on whether it is used with the present or imperfect tense.
💡Practice identifying compound prepositions in reading texts to improve your ability to deduce meaning.
💡Use a variety of conjunctions to move from simple to complex sentences to access higher marks.
💡Practice linking past, present, and future events using subordinating conjunctions.
💡Ensure conjunctions are used to justify opinions, especially in writing and speaking tasks.
💡Check for agreement and correct verb forms in the clauses linked by conjunctions.
💡Remember that object pronouns usually precede the conjugated verb.
💡Practice the position of pronouns when attached to infinitives (e.g., 'vederlo').
💡Pay close attention to the gender and number of the noun being replaced by the pronoun.
💡Use the 'si' impersonal construction to add variety to your writing and speaking.
💡Ensure you can distinguish between interrogative pronouns and interrogative adjectives.
💡Always check the noun's gender and number before selecting the adjective form.
💡Remember that most Italian adjectives follow the noun.
💡Practice the irregular comparative and superlative forms (e.g., migliore, peggiore) as these are common traps.
💡When using possessive adjectives, remember that they must agree with the object possessed, not the possessor.
💡Remember that adverbs are invariable and do not change to agree with the noun.
💡Practice the -mente suffix rule for forming adverbs from adjectives.
💡Ensure you can distinguish between adverbs of time and place.
💡Use common adverbial phrases to add detail and complexity to your writing.
💡Memorize common irregular nouns early, as they appear frequently in reading and listening tasks.
💡Pay attention to the article accompanying a noun, as it is the most reliable indicator of gender.
💡Practice identifying the gender of nouns that end in consonants, as these are often loanwords.
💡Practice writing out dates in full to ensure correct spelling of months and days
💡Memorize the specific question forms for time and dates (e.g., 'Che ora è?', 'Che data è?')
💡Ensure you can distinguish between 'mille' (1,000) and 'milione' (1,000,000)
💡Use the vocabulary lists provided in the specification to ensure you are familiar with all required quantity expressions
💡Remember that Italian often uses double negatives where English uses a single negative.
💡Always check if 'non' is required before the verb when you see words like 'mai', 'più', or 'niente'.
💡Practice the specific negative structures listed in the specification (e.g., 'non... che', 'non... né... né').

Common Mistakes

Pitfalls to avoid in your exam answers

Confusing 'lo' and 'il' before nouns starting with 's' + consonant.
Incorrectly using 'un' instead of 'uno' before masculine nouns starting with 's' + consonant or 'z'.
Omitting the article when it is required in Italian but not in English.
Misusing the partitive article when a simple preposition is required.
Confusing the agreement of quantifiers with the nouns they modify.
Incorrect placement of intensifiers in relation to the adjective or adverb.
Overusing or underusing quantifiers, leading to unnatural phrasing.
Incorrect agreement of past participles with essere
Confusing modes of address (tu vs Lei)
Misuse of reflexive pronouns
Incorrect conjugation of irregular verbs
Failure to use correct prepositions with verbs followed by an infinitive
Incorrectly forming contracted prepositions (e.g., failing to combine 'di' + 'il' into 'del').
Confusing the usage of 'da' with other prepositions of origin or movement.
Misusing compound prepositions by omitting the necessary second element (e.g., 'vicino' instead of 'vicino a').
Confusing coordinating and subordinating conjunctions.
Overusing simple conjunctions like 'e' or 'ma' instead of more varied options.
Incorrect word order or clause structure when using subordinating conjunctions.
Literal translation of English conjunctions that do not function the same way in Italian.
Incorrect placement of object pronouns in relation to the verb.
Confusing direct and indirect object pronouns.
Misusing 'si' in impersonal constructions.
Incorrect agreement of pronouns with the noun they replace.
Over-reliance on word-for-word translation from English.
Misuse of relative pronouns 'che' vs 'cui'.
Failing to make the adjective agree in gender and number with the noun.
Incorrectly placing adjectives that should follow the noun before it, or vice versa.
Confusing the comparative structures (e.g., using 'che' instead of 'di' when comparing two nouns).
Misusing demonstrative adjectives (e.g., failing to match the gender/number of the noun).
Incorrectly using possessive adjectives with family members in the singular (e.g., using the article when it should be omitted).
Incorrect formation of adverbs from adjectives.
Confusing adverbs with adjectives in terms of agreement (adverbs are invariable).
Misuse of interrogative adverbs in context.
Incorrect placement of adverbs within a sentence structure.
Confusing the gender of nouns ending in -o or -a.
Incorrectly pluralizing irregular nouns that do not follow standard -o/-i or -a/-e patterns.
Misidentifying the gender of nouns that do not end in standard vowels (e.g., nouns ending in consonants or accented vowels).
Confusing cardinal and ordinal numbers
Incorrect preposition usage when telling the time
Misspelling of numbers (e.g., confusion between 'mille' and 'milione')
Errors in date formatting
Forgetting to include 'non' when using other negative words (e.g., writing 'Vedo nessuno' instead of 'Non vedo nessuno').
Incorrect word order when using multiple negative elements.
Confusing 'niente' and 'nessuno' in context.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions students ask about this topic

Key Terminology

Essential terms to know

Identifying and describing people and objects (e.g., 'L'amico di Maria', 'Uno zaino blu') - focus on gender/number agreement and elision requirements.

Expressing quantities and partitives in culinary or shopping contexts (e.g., 'Vorrei del pane', 'Compriamo della frutta') - focus on the distinction between specific and non-specific amounts.

Abstract concepts and generalizations in societal debates (e.g., 'La libertà è importante', 'Il razzismo nella società') - focus on the mandatory use of definite articles for abstract nouns.

Quantifying lifestyle habits and dietary intake (e.g., 'troppi zuccheri', 'poca verdura') to provide specific health advice and demonstrate morphological agreement.

Using intensifiers to express emotional depth and personal conviction in relationships (e.g., 'sentirsi estremamente fiero', 'essere un po' deluso') to enhance descriptive range.

Describing the scale of socio-economic or environmental challenges using emphatic structures (e.g., 'una situazione assai complessa', 'problemi del tutto sottovalutati') to distinguish between formal and informal registers.

Expressing obligation, possibility, and volition using modal verbs (dovere, potere, volere) - include idiomatic structures like 'non vedo l'ora di' for future anticipation.

Narrating past events through the aspectual contrast between the 'passato prossimo' and 'imperfetto' - focus on the cultural nuance of storytelling and historical reporting.

Formulating hypothetical conditions and subjective viewpoints - focus on the use of the conditional and subjunctive (congiuntivo) moods in formal argumentation and debate.

Navigating the urban environment and travel logistics - award marks for correct use of 'a', 'in', and 'da' with modes of transport and specific destinations.

Expressing temporal sequences and schedules - credit the use of 'prima di', 'dopo', and 'fra/tra' to organize daily routines and historical narratives with cultural accuracy.

Defining relationships and possession - evaluate the application of 'di' and its articulated forms to clarify ownership, material composition, and origin in descriptive tasks.

Expressing causality and consequence (e.g., 'quindi', 'dunque') - essential for justifying opinions in social issues and providing logical flow in 'registro formale'.

Contrast and concession (e.g., 'nonostante', 'comunque') - used to navigate complex cultural debates, acknowledge opposing viewpoints, and demonstrate rhetorical sophistication.

Additive and sequential logic (e.g., 'inoltre', 'sia... sia') - vital for structuring extended written responses and formal presentations to avoid repetitive sentence patterns.

Navigating social interactions and etiquette - using formal 'Lei' versus informal 'tu' and 'voi' to reflect hierarchical and social distance in professional and personal contexts.

Discussing contemporary social issues - employing relative pronouns such as 'che', 'cui', and 'chi' to link complex ideas and provide specific detail in analytical essays.

Narrating past events and personal experiences - utilizing direct and indirect object pronouns to ensure narrative flow and avoid redundancy in spoken and written accounts.

Personal Identity and Relationships: Utilizing physical and character adjectives to describe self and others, including idiomatic expressions such as 'essere un pezzo di pane' or 'avere un cuore d'oro'.

Critical Analysis of Media: Employing evaluative adjectives to critique cinematography, plot development, and thematic depth in Italian neorealist or contemporary cinema, moving beyond 'bello' to 'avvincente' or 'commovente'.

Environmental Advocacy: Using comparative and superlative forms to discuss the relative impact of ecological threats and the efficacy of sustainability initiatives, employing structures like 'più/meno... di' and 'il migliore/peggiore'.

Expressing frequency and routine in daily life - award marks for the correct placement of 'di solito', 'raramente', and 'ogni tanto' within present and past tense structures.

Modifying intensity in critical evaluations of film or literature - credit the use of 'estremamente', 'particolarmente', and 'leggermente' to refine AO4 analytical depth.

Structuring chronological narratives and historical accounts - require the use of 'successivamente', 'contemporaneamente', and 'infine' to ensure logical cohesion and sophisticated sequencing.

Personal identity and social relationships - identifying family members, professions, and character traits using gender-specific suffixes such as -tore/-trice or -ista.

Environmental and global issues - utilizing abstract nouns to discuss climate change, sustainability, and socio-economic challenges with precise terminology.

Cultural heritage and the arts - categorizing artistic movements, historical periods, and architectural features using specialized vocabulary.

Expressing frequency and cessation in daily routines using 'non... mai' (never) and 'non... più' (no longer) to provide temporal context.

Quantifying absence in commercial and social settings using 'nessuno' (nobody/none) and 'niente/nulla' (nothing) to specify lack of resources or participants.

Articulating emphatic disagreement and exclusion in formal debates using 'neanche', 'nemmeno', and 'neppure' (not even/neither) to refine argumentative stances.

Likely Command Words

How questions on this topic are typically asked

Completa

Riempi gli spazi

Scegli

Scrivi

Descrivi

Coniuga

Rispondi

Riempi

Describe

Write

Explain

Complete

Choose

Answer

Indica

Translate

Ready to test yourself?

Practice questions tailored to this topic

Grammar

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terminology

Likely Command Words

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Related Topics in AQA GCSE Italian

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Grammar

Subtopics in this area

Topic Overview

What You Need to Demonstrate

Marking Points

Examiner Tips

Common Mistakes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when to use 'essere' or 'avere' in the perfect tense?

What is the difference between 'ci' and 'ne' in Italian?

How do I form the imperfect tense in Italian?

When should I use the subjunctive mood in Italian?

How do I make adjectives agree with nouns in Italian?

What are the most common irregular verbs I need to know for GCSE?

Key Terminology

Likely Command Words

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Related Topics in AQA GCSE Italian

E2E stub topic

Communication strategies

Communication strategies

Communication strategies