Breakdown of I bambini si sono addormentati prima che la favola finisse.
il bambino
the child
finire
to finish
addormentarsi
to fall asleep
la favola
the fairy tale
prima che
before
Questions & Answers about I bambini si sono addormentati prima che la favola finisse.
Why is finisse in the imperfect subjunctive instead of the present subjunctive?
The tense in the second part of the sentence depends on the first part. Because the main action happened in the past (si sono addormentati), the sequence of tenses rule says we must use a past tense in the subjunctive clause too. We use the imperfect subjunctive (finisse) to show the fairy tale's ending was happening at the same time as, or right after, them falling asleep.
Does prima che always trigger the subjunctive?
How would this sentence change if the main action was in the present tense ("The children fall asleep")?
If the main clause is in the present tense (I bambini si addormentano), the sequence of tenses shifts. Because the main verb is in the present, you would use the present subjunctive for the second half: ...prima che la favola finisca.
Why does addormentati end in an -i here?
Addormentarsi (to fall asleep) is a reflexive verb. In the past tense (passato prossimo), all reflexive verbs use essere as their helper verb. When you use essere, the past participle must agree in gender and number with the subject. Since i bambini is masculine plural, the participle takes the masculine plural ending -i.
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