Camminiamo con attenzione, altrimenti possiamo scivolare.

to walk

Breakdown of Camminiamo con attenzione, altrimenti possiamo scivolare.

• con: with
• noi: we
• altrimenti: otherwise
• potere: can
• scivolare: to slip

Questions & Answers about Camminiamo con attenzione, altrimenti possiamo scivolare.

Why is camminiamo used instead of the base form camminare?

In Italian, verbs are conjugated depending on the subject and the tense. Camminiamo is the present indicative first-person plural form, corresponding to we walk (or we are walking) in English. The base infinitive form is camminare, but here, the action involves the speaker and others together, hence camminiamo.

Why do we say con attenzione instead of using an adverb like attentamente?

Italian often uses con + a noun to express how an action is done (in this case, how we walk). Con attenzione literally means with care/caution and is a common expression. You could also say camminiamo attentamente, which is correct as well, but con attenzione feels more natural in everyday language when describing the manner of walking.

What does altrimenti mean, and how does it function in the sentence?

Altrimenti means otherwise and introduces the consequence if the first part of the sentence isn’t followed. In this case, if we do not walk carefully (camminiamo con attenzione), something else will happen (possiamo scivolare). It’s a connector that sets up a contrast or alternative outcome.

Why is possiamo scivolare used instead of a future tense like scivoleremo?

By using possiamo scivolare (we can slip), the sentence conveys possibility rather than certainty. It emphasizes that slipping is a potential consequence of not walking carefully. If you used scivoleremo (we will slip), it would sound more definitive, as if falling is guaranteed.

Could we use potremmo scivolare instead of possiamo scivolare?

Yes, potremmo scivolare (meaning we might slip) is also possible. The conditional form potremmo introduces a slightly softer, more hypothetical tone. Possiamo scivolare is more direct in stating the possibility, while potremmo scivolare suggests it is a potential but not certain consequence.