Question 1

Why is the modal verb plural (devono) if the English translation uses a singular subject?

Accepted Answer

This sentence uses the si passivante (passive 'si'). In this structure, the thing being acted upon is the grammatical subject of the sentence. Since gli attrezzi (the equipment) is plural, the modal verb dovere must be conjugated in the plural form as devono to match it.

Question 2

Can I attach si to the end of the infinitive pulire instead?

Accepted Answer

Yes! When using the si passivante with a modal verb (like dovere, potere, or volere), you have two choices for placing the si. You can put it before the conjugated modal verb (si devono pulire) or attach it to the end of the infinitive by dropping its final 'e' (devono pulirsi). Both mean the exact same thing.

Question 3

The English translation says 'the equipment' (singular). Why does the Italian use the plural gli attrezzi?

Accepted Answer

In English, 'equipment' is an uncountable noun that is always singular. In Italian, l'attrezzo means a single tool or piece of equipment. When talking about gym equipment or multiple tools as a collective, Italian uses the plural form, gli attrezzi.

Question 4

Why use a causa del instead of perché il for 'because of the'?

Accepted Answer

Perché translates to 'because' and must be followed by a full clause with a verb. To say 'because of' followed by just a noun (like 'sweat'), you need the phrase a causa di. Since sudore is masculine, di combines with the definite article il to become del.

A causa del sudore, si devono pulire gli attrezzi.

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