Breakdown of Spero che tu metta il cappotto, perché il vento è forte stamattina.
io
I
tu
you
essere
to be
perché
because
il vento
the wind
sperare
to hope
forte
strong
stamattina
this morning
il cappotto
the coat
mettere
to put on
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Questions & Answers about Spero che tu metta il cappotto, perché il vento è forte stamattina.
Why is the verb in the subordinate clause "metta" in the subjunctive mood rather than the indicative "metti"?
In Italian, expressions of hope, desire, or uncertainty require the subjunctive mood. Since “spero che” (I hope that) introduces a wish, the subordinate clause uses the subjunctive "metta" instead of the indicative "metti" to convey that the action is hoped for rather than stated as a fact.
What does "stamattina" mean, and is it interchangeable with any other phrase?
"Stamattina" means this morning. It is a common, informal way to refer to the current morning. In more formal contexts, you might also hear "questa mattina," which expresses the same idea.
Why is the subject pronoun "tu" explicitly included in the clause "che tu metta il cappotto"?
Although Italian often drops subject pronouns because the verb endings indicate the subject, including "tu" here clarifies that the hope is directed specifically at the listener. It also adds emphasis to the person who is expected to take action.
What role does "perché" play in the sentence?
"Perché" means because, and it introduces the clause that explains the reason behind the hope expressed in the first part of the sentence. It connects the wish to the fact that the wind is strong this morning, giving a cause-and-effect relationship.
How is the overall sentence structured?
The sentence is divided into two parts. The first part, "Spero che tu metta il cappotto," is the main clause with a subordinate clause in the subjunctive mood expressing a hope or wish. The second part, "perché il vento è forte stamattina," is a causal clause that provides the reason for that hope. This structure shows a clear cause and effect relationship.
Why is the indicative mood used in the clause "il vento è forte stamattina"?
The clause "il vento è forte stamattina" states a clear, factual observation about the weather. Since it is presenting objective information rather than a wish or uncertainty, it correctly uses the indicative mood.