Il materiale elastico dura a lungo.

the material

Breakdown of Il materiale elastico dura a lungo.

• durare: to last
• elastico: elastic

Questions & Answers about Il materiale elastico dura a lungo.

What does the verb "dura" mean in this sentence?

It’s the third person singular form of the verb "durare", which means "to last". In this context, it tells us that the elastic material has a long-lasting quality.

How does the placement of the adjective "elastico" after the noun "materiale" affect its meaning?

In Italian, adjectives often follow the noun they modify. Here, "materiale elastico" means "elastic material", with the adjective naturally describing the noun without any change in meaning compared to English.

What role does the phrase "a lungo" play in the sentence?

The phrase "a lungo" acts as an adverbial modifier. It specifies the duration, meaning "for a long time." This tells us that the material’s elastic property endures over an extended period.

Why do "materiale" and "elastico" agree in form?

In Italian, adjectives must agree with the noun they describe in gender and number. Since "materiale" is a masculine singular noun, "elastico" is also in the masculine singular form.

Are there other ways to express the idea that something lasts a long time in Italian?

Yes, alternative expressions include phrases like "ha una lunga durata" (it has a long duration) or "resiste a lungo" (it endures for a long time). However, "dura a lungo" is a common and concise way to convey durability.

Why is the definite article "il" used before "materiale"?

The article "il" is used to indicate a specific, known material and it agrees in gender and number with "materiale" (a masculine singular noun). This usage is standard in Italian when referring to particular items or subjects.