Learn Italian: La nuova commissione è severissima. - The new committee is very strict.

La nuova commissione è severissima.

The new committee is very strict.

Breakdown of La nuova commissione è severissima.

Questions & Answers about La nuova commissione è severissima.

Since a committee is made up of multiple people, why is the verb singular (è) instead of plural (sono)?

Commissione is a collective noun, which means it is a singular word that describes a group. Unlike in English, where you might sometimes hear "the committee are," Italian strictly requires singular agreement. You must treat the group as a single entity, so you use the singular verb è.

Why is the adjective severissima feminine singular? Shouldn't it be plural to reflect the people in the group?

Adjectives must perfectly match the grammatical gender and number of the noun they modify. Since la commissione is a feminine singular noun, the adjective must be feminine singular (severissima). This strict grammatical agreement applies even if the committee is made up of multiple people, or even entirely of men!

What does the -issima ending mean on severissima?

This is the absolute superlative form of the adjective severa (strict). Adding the suffix -issima (or -issimo for a masculine noun) changes the meaning to "very strict" or "extremely strict." It is a very common way to amplify an adjective without having to add the word molto (very).

Why does nuova come before commissione here, instead of after it?