Dropping 'a' before 'che' (pensare che, credere che)

Dropping a Before che

Verbs like pensare (to think) and credere (to believe) are typically followed by the preposition a when they connect to a noun or pronoun. For instance, you say pensare a qualcosa (to think about something) or credere a qualcosa (to believe in something).

Are you thinking about the logistics for tomorrow's fair?
Pensi alla logistica per la fiera di domani?
Many do not believe in this new local festival.
Molti non credono a questa nuova sagra.

However, when these verbs introduce a new clause starting with the conjunction che (that), the preposition disappears. You will never see penso a che or credo a che.

I think that the fair will start perfectly on time.
Penso che la fiera inizierà in perfetto orario.
I believe that the local festival will be a big success.
Credo che la sagra sarà un grande successo.

Moods and Tenses with che

Because these verbs express subjective opinions or beliefs rather than objective facts, the verb inside the che clause is often conjugated in the subjunctive mood.

I think that every exhibitor must clean their stand.
Penso che ogni espositore debba pulire il suo stand.
I believe that the license for the entertainment is ready.
Credo che la licenza per l'intrattenimento sia pronta.

If you are making a prediction about something that has not happened yet, you can use the future tense inside the che clause instead.

I think that they will inaugurate the event without authorization.
Penso che inaugureranno l'evento senza autorizzazione.
I believe that the turnout will be very high.
Credo che l'affluenza sarà molto alta.

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