Nel mio piatto preferisco sempre aggiungere un contorno di patate al forno.

(In my dish, I always prefer to add a side of roasted potatoes.)

Breakdown of Nel mio piatto preferisco sempre aggiungere un contorno di patate al forno.

• io: I
• di: of
• in: in
• il mio: my
• il piatto: the dish
• sempre: always
• preferire: to prefer
• aggiungere: to add
• il contorno: the side
• la patata: the potato
• al forno: roasted

Questions & Answers about Nel mio piatto preferisco sempre aggiungere un contorno di patate al forno.

What does "Nel mio piatto" mean in this sentence?

It literally means "on my plate" or "in my dish." In this context, it indicates that the speaker is referring to their own serving or the way they set up their dish.

What is the meaning of the verb "aggiungere," and why is it in the infinitive form here?

"Aggiungere" means "to add." In Italian, when expressing a preference with verbs like "preferisco" (I prefer), the infinitive is used as a complement. This construction (verb + infinitive) is common when discussing habitual actions or preferences.

What does the phrase "un contorno di patate al forno" mean?

It translates to "a side dish of roasted (or baked) potatoes." Here, "un contorno" refers to a side dish served alongside a main course, "di patate" indicates that the side dish is made with potatoes, and "al forno" specifies that they are cooked in the oven.

What is the role of the expression "al forno" in this sentence?

"Al forno" functions as an adverbial phrase that describes the cooking method of the potatoes. It literally means "in the oven," suggesting that the potatoes have been roasted or baked, which gives the dish a particular flavor and texture.

Why is the adverb "sempre" placed after "preferisco," and what does it convey?

"Sempre" means "always." Its placement after "preferisco" emphasizes that the speaker habitually adds this side dish. It reinforces the idea that this is a regular and consistent choice in their culinary practice.

Is there a nuance in choosing "aggiungere" instead of a more neutral verb like "mettere"?

Yes, there is. "Aggiungere" implies the deliberate act of enhancing a dish by adding a complementary element, whereas "mettere" (meaning "to put" or "to place") is more generic. The use of "aggiungere" suggests extra care or thought in incorporating an additional component to improve the meal.

Are there any special syntactic patterns in this sentence that a learner should notice?

Definitely. The sentence begins by establishing context with "Nel mio piatto," which sets the scene for what follows. The main clause "preferisco sempre aggiungere" uses the present tense to express a habitual action, and placing "sempre" right after "preferisco" emphasizes the routine nature of the action. Finally, descriptive details come at the end with "un contorno di patate al forno," a typical Italian structure where specifications about the nature of the food (what it is and how it is cooked) are provided after the general statement.