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Questions & Answers about L'autobus parte in ritardo.
Why is there an apostrophe in L'autobus?
In Italian, the masculine singular definite article lo becomes l' (with an apostrophe) before a vowel. So lo + autobus → l'autobus.
Why isn't there an explicit subject pronoun like it in this sentence?
Italian is a pro-drop language: the verb ending -e in parte already signals third-person singular, so pronouns like lui, essa or it are usually omitted.
What is the infinitive of parte, and what tense/person is this form?
The infinitive is partire (to leave/depart). Parte is the third-person singular present indicative form (he/she/it leaves).
Is partire transitive or intransitive, and why isn't there a direct object here?
Partire is an intransitive verb: it doesn’t take a direct object. It expresses departing, not acting upon something.
What does in ritardo literally mean, and how does it function in the sentence?
Literally in + ritardo (delay). Together they form an adverbial phrase meaning late or with a delay, modifying parte.
Could we say L'autobus parte tardi instead of parte in ritardo?
Yes. Tardi is an adverb meaning late, so L'autobus parte tardi is correct. Parte in ritardo emphasizes the notion of a delay, while parte tardi is more colloquial and direct.
Where should in ritardo be placed in the sentence? Can its position change?
Adverbial expressions like in ritardo typically come after the verb: L'autobus parte in ritardo. Placing them before the verb (e.g. L'autobus in ritardo parte) sounds awkward.
Is there an opposite expression to in ritardo?
Yes, in anticipo, meaning early or ahead of schedule.
What is the plural form of l'autobus?
The plural is gli autobus. The noun remains unchanged, and the article becomes gli before vowels.