Italian language is quite rich in conjunctions. We can divide them into two big categories:
Conjunctions used for linking two or more main clauses, and conjunctions we use to link a main clause to
a secondary clause. We call the former coordinating conjunctions
and the latter subordinating conjunctions
- e: it is used for linking two sentences, and it has the same value of the english "and".
You should watch out for "e" meaning "and" and "è" meaning "is". Don't confuse them.
- né, e neanche, e nemmeno: they have the same value of "e", but they're used in negative
clauses.
- o, oppure: these two conjuncions have the same value of the english "or"
- ma, tuttavia: these means but. But please note that if you want to translate in Italian an
expression like "He didn't do anything but wait" you have to use the conjunction "tranne che":
"Non ha fatto nulla tranne che aspettare"
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- perché, affinché, ché: these conjunctions are used in clauses of purpose.
- perché, poiché, siccòme, dato che, in quanto: these are used in clauses of reason.
- tanto..che, così...che, a tal punto...che: they are used in clauses of result.
- quàndo, mentre, finché, prìma che, dòpo che, ògni vòlta che: these are used in time clauses.
- che, còme: these words are used as conjunction in declarative, subject and object clauses.
- sebbène, benché, nonostànte : these conjunctions are used in clauses of concession.
- se, qualòra, purché : these are used in conditional sentences.
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