ELONIO
Log inSign up

Manca qualche limone nel frigorifero.

Manca qualche limone nel frigorifero.
Some lemons are missing in the fridge.
From Lesson 79:Indefinite adjectives for some (qualche, alcuni)·Italian

Questions & Answers about Manca qualche limone nel frigorifero.

Why is it limone (singular) when the English translation says "some lemons"?
The word qualche means "some" or "a few", but the strict rule in Italian is that it must always be followed by a singular noun. Even though you are talking about multiple lemons, you must say qualche limone (literally "some lemon").
How would this sentence change if I used alcuni instead of qualche?
Alcuni also means "some", but unlike qualche, it requires a plural noun. If you use it here, the noun becomes plural (alcuni limoni). Because the subject is now plural, the verb must also change to match it: Mancano alcuni limoni nel frigorifero.
Why is the verb manca singular if we are talking about multiple missing lemons?
In Italian, the verb must agree with the grammatical form of the subject. Because the rule for qualche forces the subject (qualche limone) to be grammatically singular, the verb mancare (to be missing) must also take its singular form, manca.
Why does the sentence start with the verb manca?
With verbs that describe something existing, appearing, or being missing (like mancare), the subject usually comes after the verb in Italian. It sounds much more natural to say Manca qualche limone (literally "Is missing some lemon") rather than putting the subject first.

Learn Manca qualche limone nel frigorifero and more in Italian

All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods, no signup needed.

  • ✓ Practice with interactive exercises
  • ✓ Track your progress with spaced repetition
  • ✓Learn at your own pace — completely free
Start learning Italian →