Breakdown of Desidero che il rifugio accolga i cani abbandonati.
il cane
the dog
che
that (conjunction introducing a clause)
abbandonato
abandoned / stray
il rifugio
the shelter / the refuge (general)
accogliere
to welcome / to take in
desiderare
to desire / to wish
Questions & Answers about Desidero che il rifugio accolga i cani abbandonati.
Why is accolga used instead of the normal present tense accoglie?
It is the present subjunctive form of accogliere. We use the subjunctive here because the main verb Desidero expresses a desire or wish, which is a classic trigger for the subjunctive when followed by che.
accogliere is an -ere verb. Why does its subjunctive form end in -a here?
accogliere is irregular. To form the present subjunctive, we usually take the 'io' form of the present tense, which is accolgo. We drop the -o and add the subjunctive endings for -ere verbs, which are -a for the singular forms. So, il rifugio (it) takes accolga.
Could I just use the infinitive and say Desidero accogliere i cani?
You could, but it completely changes the meaning! If you say Desidero accogliere i cani, it means you want to take the dogs in yourself. Because the subjects are different here ('I' desire, but 'the shelter' welcomes), you must use che plus the subjunctive.
What does accogliere mean in this specific context?
accogliere generally means to welcome, receive, or accommodate. When talking about a shelter (il rifugio), it translates best as taking in or housing the animals.
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