Merging "a" with articles
When the preposition a (to/at) is followed by a definite article, they merge to form a single word. These articulated prepositions are used constantly when talking about going to or being at specific places.
Masculine places: al and ai
For masculine nouns using the article il, a merges to create al. With the plural article i, they form ai.
| Preposition | Article | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| a | il | al |
| a | i | ai |
| I am going to the market to buy apples. | Vado al mercato per comprare le mele. |
| We go to the gardens with the children. | Andiamo ai giardini con i bambini. |
Feminine places: alla and alle
For feminine nouns, a combines with the singular article la to make alla, and with the plural article le to make alle.
| Preposition | Article | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| a | la | alla |
| a | le | alle |
| When do you go to the station? | Quando vai alla stazione? |
| They go to the meetings early. | Vanno alle riunioni presto. |
Vowels and special masculine nouns: all' and agli
If a singular noun begins with a vowel, its article is l', which merges with a to become all'.
For masculine plural nouns using the article gli (starting with a vowel or certain consonants like st), the combination is agli.
| Preposition | Article | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| a | l' | all' |
| a | gli | agli |
| I go abroad for work. | Vado all'estero per lavoro. |
| They go to the new stadiums. | Vanno agli stadi nuovi. |
Putting it together
You can mix and match these articulated prepositions to contrast different locations in a single sentence.
| Today do we go to the beach or to the market? | Oggi andiamo alla spiaggia o al mercato? |
