Basic Word Order

In brief

In a simple Italian statement, the usual order is subject + verb + object, much like in English. The verb tells you who is acting, so Italian often leaves out a subject pronoun when it is clear from context.

Form

(Subject) + conjugated verb + object: (Io) leggo un libro. Put non directly before the verb to make a negative statement: Non leggo un libro.

Usage

• Start with the person or thing doing the action, then add the verb and what the action affects.
• Leave out io, tu, or another subject pronoun when the verb form and context make the subject clear.
• For a basic negative statement, put non before the conjugated verb.

Examples

• Marco compra il pane. — Marco buys bread.
• Leggo un libro. — I’m reading a book.
• Anna beve un caffè. — Anna is drinking a coffee.
• Non mangiamo la pasta. — We aren’t eating pasta.

Remember

Use subject + verb + object as your starting point. The subject pronoun is often optional in Italian.