Learn Italian: C'è uno sbaglio nel conto. Lo controlli, per favore. - There is a mistake in the bill. Check it, please.

C'è uno sbaglio nel conto. Lo controlli, per favore.

There is a mistake in the bill. Check it, please.

Breakdown of C'è uno sbaglio nel conto. Lo controlli, per favore.

uno

a / an (masculine special)

Questions & Answers about C'è uno sbaglio nel conto. Lo controlli, per favore.

Why does the pronoun lo come before the verb here? Don't pronouns usually attach to the end of commands?

Usually they do! If you were talking to a friend, you would attach it to the end to make controllalo. However, this sentence uses the formal imperative, which is used when addressing a stranger or professional. With formal commands, the pronoun must go before the verb.

Why is the verb controlli instead of controlla?

In the standard present tense, the formal form of controllare is indeed controlla. But when giving a formal command or request, the ending for -are verbs flips to an -i. That is why the cashier or waiter is told to controlli the bill.

Why is the indefinite article uno instead of un before sbaglio?

Because sbaglio starts with an s followed by another consonant (the letter b). Masculine words starting with an s plus a consonant require uno instead of un to make them flow better when spoken.

How is nel formed in nel conto?

Nel is a combined word that merges the preposition in with the masculine article il. In Italian, you cannot say in il conto; the two words must always combine into nel.