Why, when, before, then, after
To ask for reasons, use : To ask about time, use : These are very frequent question words.
To tell a clear sequence, use , , and . For example: This helps tell a story in a simple way.
Italian often repeats a noun or uses a pronoun to keep the reference clear: , , . At A1, repeating the noun is often easier and more natural than using too many pronouns.
In past narration, a simple sequence is enough: You do not need difficult linking words.
| Form | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Why did you come back? | ||
| Why did you come back? | ||
| When can you start? | ||
| When can you start? | ||
| first / then / after that | ||
| first / then / after that | ||
| that is... | ||
| that is... | ||
Perché sei tornato?Why did you come back?
Quando finisce il tuo periodo di prova?When does your trial period end?
Prima ho cercato la chiave, poi ho aperto la porta.First I looked for the key, then I opened the door.
Dopo il colloquio, ho letto gli annunci sul telefono.After the interview, I read the adverts on my phone.
Quella è la mia valigia!That is my suitcase!
Eri malato, e poi il termometro è sparito.You were ill, and then the thermometer disappeared.
Eri malata, e poi il termometro è sparito.You were ill, and then the thermometer disappeared.
Per il lavoro, ma adesso per le persone.For the job, but now for the people.
Prima è arrivato Milo, dopo è arrivata Sofia.First Milo arrived, after that Sofia arrived.
Practice 1/6 · Finding words
Notice the useful pattern
Tap the form practised in this unit.
?
Why did you come back?
?
When does your trial period end?
, .
First I looked for the key, then I opened the door.
, .
After the interview, I read the adverts on my phone.
Practice 2/6 · The right form
Choose the form
Use the English meaning and the pattern in this unit.
sei tornato?
Why did you come back?
finisce il tuo periodo di prova?
When does your trial period end?
Prima ho cercato la chiave, ho aperto la porta.
First I looked for the key, then I opened the door.
Dopo il colloquio, gli annunci sul telefono.
After the interview, I read the adverts on my phone.
è la mia valigia!
That is my suitcase!
Eri malato, e il termometro è sparito.
You were ill, and then the thermometer disappeared.
Eri malata, e il termometro è sparito.
You were ill, and then the thermometer disappeared.
Per il lavoro, ma adesso le persone.
For the job, but now for the people.
Prima è arrivato Milo, è arrivata Sofia.
First Milo arrived, after that Sofia arrived.
Practice 3/6 · Fill the gaps
Complete the messages
Fill the gaps with the words from the box.
Prima ho cercato la chiave, ho aperto la porta.
First I looked for the key, then I opened the door.
Dopo il colloquio, gli annunci sul telefono.
After the interview, I read the adverts on my phone.
è la mia valigia!
That is my suitcase!
Eri malato, e il termometro è sparito.
You were ill, and then the thermometer disappeared.
Eri malata, e il termometro è sparito.
You were ill, and then the thermometer disappeared.
Per il lavoro, ma adesso le persone.
For the job, but now for the people.
Prima è arrivato Milo, è arrivata Sofia.
First Milo arrived, after that Sofia arrived.
Practice 4/6 · Building sentences
Build a sentence
Put the words in order.
Why did you come back?
When does your trial period end?
First I looked for the key, then I opened the door.
After the interview, I read the adverts on my phone.
That is my suitcase!
You were ill, and then the thermometer disappeared.
You were ill, and then the thermometer disappeared.
Practice 5/6 · In situations
What would you say?
Choose the right words for the situation.
Why did you come back?
You say:
Use the meaning and Italian pattern explained in this unit.
Why did you come back?
You say:
Use the meaning and Italian pattern explained in this unit.
When does your trial period end?
You say:
Use the meaning and Italian pattern explained in this unit.
When does your trial period end?
You say:
Use the meaning and Italian pattern explained in this unit.
First I looked for the key, then I opened the door.
You say:
Use the meaning and Italian pattern explained in this unit.
First I looked for the key, then I opened the door.
You say:
Use the meaning and Italian pattern explained in this unit.
After the interview, I read the adverts on my phone.
You say:
Use the meaning and Italian pattern explained in this unit.
After the interview, I read the adverts on my phone.
You say:
Use the meaning and Italian pattern explained in this unit.
Practice 6/6 · Matching
Connect messages and meanings
Match the pairs.
Unit complete
