Learn Hardcore Italian: Dopo la corsa, il respiro è calmo.

"Dopo la corsa" is a prepositional phrase where "dopo" means after and "la corsa" means the run. It serves as an adverbial modifier, setting the time frame for when the state described in the main clause ("il respiro è calmo") occurs. Placing it at the beginning of the sentence emphasizes the sequence of events.

Why is the definite article "la" used with "corsa" instead of an indefinite article?

In Italian, the definite article is often used with nouns that refer to familiar or habitual occurrences. In expressions like "dopo la corsa", "la" implies a specific, understood run, much like how Italians say "la cena" (dinner) or "la mattina" (in the morning). This usage signals that both the speaker and listener share the context of what run is being referenced.

What is the grammatical structure of the main clause "il respiro è calmo"?

In "il respiro è calmo", "il respiro" functions as the subject (meaning the breath), "è" is the third person singular present form of essere (to be), and "calmo" is a predicate adjective describing the state of the subject. This construction follows the typical Italian subject–verb–adjective pattern used to express a state or condition.

Can the sentence be rearranged as "Il respiro è calmo dopo la corsa" without changing its meaning?

Yes, the sentence can be rephrased as "Il respiro è calmo dopo la corsa" without altering its fundamental meaning. The difference lies in emphasis: beginning with "Dopo la corsa" places immediate focus on the temporal context, while ending with it gives priority to stating the subject and its condition first. Both forms are grammatically correct and acceptable.

What is the role of the comma after "Dopo la corsa", and is it necessary?

The comma after "Dopo la corsa" functions to clearly separate the introductory adverbial phrase from the main clause, aiding readability. In written Italian, such commas signal a natural pause and help clarify the sentence’s structure. While in casual writing or speech the pause might be less strictly marked, including the comma is typically recommended for clarity.