Question 1

Why do we use the gerund seguendo with anche in the first part of the sentence?

Accepted Answer

This is an implicit concessive clause. By combining anche (even) with a present gerund like seguendo (following), you create a concise way to express 'even if one follows'. It carries the exact same meaning as the explicit phrase anche se si segue, but it flows more smoothly and is frequently used in both written and higher-level spoken Italian.

Question 2

Who is the implied subject of the gerund seguendo here?

Accepted Answer

Normally, an implicit gerund clause must share the exact same subject as the main clause. However, because the main clause here is a general, impersonal statement (contare le calorie è noioso), the implied subject of seguendo is allowed to be impersonal as well. It simply refers to 'people in general' or 'anyone'.

Question 3

Why does the Italian sentence use the infinitive contare when the English translation uses the '-ing' form 'counting'?

Accepted Answer

In English, we often use the gerund (the '-ing' form) as a noun to act as the subject of a sentence. In Italian, you can never use the gerund this way. Whenever an action is the subject of the sentence, you must use the infinitive. Therefore, 'counting' as a concept must be translated as contare.

Question 4

Could I use severa instead of rigida to mean a 'strict' diet?

Accepted Answer

You could, but una dieta rigida is the much more common and natural collocation in Italian for a strict eating regimen. Another highly idiomatic alternative you might encounter at the B2 level is una dieta ferrea, which literally translates to an 'iron diet'.

Anche seguendo una dieta rigida, contare le calorie è noioso.

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