Breakdown of La lampada da tavolo è più utile della luce del corridoio in questo momento.
essere
to be
il tavolo
the table
la luce
the light
di
of
questo
this
il momento
the moment
utile
useful
più
more
la lampada
the lamp
di
than
da
for
il corridoio
the corridor
in
at
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Questions & Answers about La lampada da tavolo è più utile della luce del corridoio in questo momento.
What does la lampada da tavolo mean, and why is it phrased that way in Italian?
La lampada da tavolo literally translates to the table lamp. The phrase is constructed by combining lampada (lamp) with da tavolo (for/table), where da indicates the intended use or placement (i.e., a lamp meant to be placed on a table). This mirrors how English forms compound nouns like “table lamp.”
How is the comparative constructed in this sentence using più utile?
The comparative is formed with più (meaning more) directly preceding the adjective utile (useful). Together, più utile means more useful. This structure is typical in Italian comparisons, where the adjective remains in its base form and più adds the comparative meaning before it.
Why does the sentence use the contraction della luce del corridoio instead of something like di la luce?
In Italian, when the preposition di is followed by the definite article la, they contract to form della. Hence, di la luce becomes della luce. Similarly, il corridoio combines with di to produce del corridoio. This is standard grammatical practice in Italian to maintain fluidity and ease of pronunciation.
Why does the adjective utile remain unchanged even though it’s describing a feminine noun like lampada?
Some Italian adjectives, including utile, have the same form for both masculine and feminine singular contexts. Therefore, even though lampada is feminine, utile does not change its form. This invariance simplifies adjective agreement in such cases.
What is the function of the phrase in questo momento in the sentence?
The phrase in questo momento translates to at this moment or right now. It specifies that the comparison of usefulness—between the table lamp and the corridor light—is valid for the current time, implying a temporary situation or a condition specific to this moment.
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