Italian Articulated Prepositions (part 1)
Preposizione semplice + l’articolo determinativo
(preposition + definite article)
di + il = DEL
We use this in the same cases as the prepositon “di” when the noun which follows is masculine singular and starts with a consonant.
L’onda del mare. (The wave of the sea.)
di + la = DELLA
We use this in the same cases as the prepositon “di” when the noun which follows is feminine singular and starts with a consonant.
Lo sportello della macchina. (The door of the car.)
di + i = DEI
We use this in the same cases as the prepositon “di” when the noun which follows is masculine plural and starts with a consonant.
Nella maggior parte dei casi. (In most cases.)
di +gli = DEGLI
We use this in the same cases as the prepositon “di” when the noun which follows is masculine plural and starts with a vowel.
Il fiuto degli animali. (The scent of the animals.)
di +le = DELLE
We use this in the same cases as the prepositon “di” when the noun which follows is feminine plural and starts with a consonant.
Il becco delle anatre, il palmo delle mani. (The beak of the ducks, the palm of the hands.)
DELL
‘
We use this in the same cases as the prepositon “del” and “della” when the noun which follows starts with a vowel (both masculine and feminine).
Il biglietto dell‘autobus, gli abitanti dell’Africa. (The ticket for the bus, the inhabitants of Africa.)
a +il = AL
We use this in the same cases as the prepositon “a” when the noun which follows is masculine singular and starts with a consonant.
Stasera vado al parco. (This evening I’m going to the park.)
a + i = AI
We use this in the same cases as the prepositon “a” when the noun which follows is masculine plural and starts with a consonant.
Bisogna dirlo ai ragazzi. (It’s necessary to tell the guys.)
a + gli = AGLI
We use this in the same cases as the prepositon “a” when the noun which follows is masculine plural and starts with a vowel.
Bisogna dirlo agli operai. (It’s necessary to tell the workers.)
a + la = ALLA
We use this in the same cases as the prepositon “a” when the noun which follows is feminine singular and starts with a consonant.
Bisogna chiederlo alla maestra. (It’s necessary to ask the teacher.)
a + le = ALLE
We use this in the same cases as the prepositon “a” when the noun which follows is feminine plural and starts with either a consonant or a vowel.
Bisogna dare da mangiare alle mucche e alle oche. (It’s necessary to feed the cows and the geese.)
ALL
‘
We use this in the same cases as “alla” and “al” , when the noun which follows starts with a vowel.
Devi andare all‘ospedale, è necessario chiedere all‘infermiera. (You have to go to the hospital, it’s necessary to ask the nurse.)
da + il = DAL
We use this in the same cases as “da” when the noun which follows is masculine singular and starts with a consonant.
Il vento che arriva dal mare. (The wind which comes from the sea.)
da + i = DAI
We use this in the same cases as “dal” when the noun which follows is masculine plural and starts with a consonant.
Dai cani e dai gatti. (From dogs and from cats.)
da +gli = DAGLI
We use this in the same cases as “dai” when the noun which follows is masculine plural and starts with a vowel.
Dagli animali e dagli uomini. (From animals and from men.)
Articulated prepositions (page 2)