Learn Italian: Devo aggiungere qualche limone alla lista. - I have to add a few lemons to the list.

Devo aggiungere qualche limone alla lista.

I have to add a few lemons to the list.

Breakdown of Devo aggiungere qualche limone alla lista.

alla

to the / at the (feminine singular)

Questions & Answers about Devo aggiungere qualche limone alla lista.

Why is it qualche limone (singular) when the English translation says "a few lemons" (plural)?

The word qualche means "some" or "a few", but the tricky rule is that it is always followed by a singular noun in Italian! Even though you are talking about multiple lemons, you must say qualche limone, never qualche limoni.

Could I use alcuni instead of qualche in this sentence?

Yes, you can! However, unlike qualche, the word alcuni must be followed by a plural noun. If you choose to use it, the phrase must change to alcuni limoni. Both qualche limone and alcuni limoni mean exactly the same thing.

Why is aggiungere left in its dictionary form (infinitive)?

Because it comes directly after devo (I must / I have to). When you use a modal verb like dovere (to have to), potere (can), or volere (to want), the action verb that immediately follows it stays in the infinitive.

Why does the sentence use alla lista instead of a la lista?