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Questions & Answers about La domanda è inutile.
What is the literal translation and breakdown of La domanda è inutile?
It translates to "The question is useless". Here, la is the feminine singular definite article meaning "the", domanda means "question", è is the third-person singular form of essere (meaning "is"), and inutile is an adjective meaning "useless" or "pointless".
Why is the adjective inutile placed after the verb instead of directly before the noun?
In Italian, when an adjective functions as a predicate (describing the subject via the linking verb essere), it typically follows the verb. This structure—subject followed by the verb and then the adjective—is standard and indicates that inutile describes the subject domanda.
What role does the definite article la have in this sentence?
La serves as the feminine singular definite article, specifying a particular question. Its use implies that the question being discussed is specific or already known in the context.
Why is è written with an accent, and what does it signify?
The accent on è distinguishes it as the singular form of the verb essere (meaning "is"). Without the accent, e would mean "and", which would completely change the meaning of the sentence. The accent is essential for clarity.
Can the word order be altered in Italian, such as placing the adjective before domanda?
While Italian allows some flexibility for stylistic emphasis, rearranging the words can change subtle nuances. For example, La inutile domanda places inutile before the noun, lending it an attributive quality. In contrast, La domanda è inutile uses a predicate structure to straightforwardly state that the question is useless.
Are there other adjectives similar to inutile that can be used in similar contexts?
Yes, adjectives such as superfluo (superfluous) or inopportuno (inappropriate) can be used depending on the nuance you want to express. However, inutile specifically emphasizes that the question has no useful purpose or is pointless.
What is the typical context or implication of saying La domanda è inutile?
This sentence is often used to indicate that asking further questions is unnecessary because the answer would be obvious, irrelevant, or the question itself adds no value to the discussion. It serves as a direct comment on the futility of the inquiry.