Question 1

Why do we use di quanto for "than" here instead of just di or che?

Accepted Answer

When you compare a noun or adjective to a complete clause—meaning a phrase that contains a conjugated verb, like ricordavo—you cannot use a simple di or che. Instead, you must use di quanto or di quello che to introduce that verb.

Question 2

Doesn't di quanto usually require the subjunctive mood? Why is ricordavo in the indicative?

Accepted Answer

You are right! Strict grammar rules say that comparisons with di quanto should take the subjunctive, making di quanto ricordassi the most "correct" form. However, in spoken and everyday Italian, it is very common to use the imperfect indicative (ricordavo) when talking about a factual past memory. You will hear both, but it's best to stick to the subjunctive in formal writing.

Question 3

Why use peggiore instead of peggio?

Accepted Answer

Peggiore is an adjective, so it is used to describe nouns. Here, it describes the noun pronuncia (pronunciation). Peggio is an adverb, which is used to describe verbs. If the sentence were "He speaks worse," you would use peggio because it describes the action of speaking, rather than a thing.

Question 4

The English translation says "His pronunciation", but sua is feminine. Why?

Accepted Answer

As a quick refresher: in Italian, the possessive word always matches the gender and number of the thing being owned, not the person who owns it. Because pronuncia is a feminine word, it must be paired with la sua. Without outside context, la sua pronuncia could equally mean "his pronunciation", "her pronunciation", or even the formal "your pronunciation".

La sua pronuncia è peggiore di quanto ricordavo.

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