Question 1

Why is there a con right after È? Doesn't the verb 'to be' usually connect directly to a noun or adjective?

Accepted Answer

This is a cleft sentence (frase scissa). We use the structure È + [element to emphasize] + che to put a spotlight on a specific part of the sentence. Here, we are emphasizing the prepositional phrase con questo abbinamento (with this pairing). In English, we do the exact same thing: 'It is with this pairing that...'

Question 2

Why is the verb esaltano in the plural form here?

Accepted Answer

Because of the passive si (si passivante). In Italian, when you use si to express that an action is done to something without specifying who does it, the verb must agree with the noun receiving the action. Since gli ingredienti is plural, the verb must be the plural esaltano.

Question 3

Could I change the word order to ...che gli ingredienti si esaltano?

Accepted Answer

Yes, that is grammatically correct. However, putting the subject at the very end (si esaltano gli ingredienti) is extremely common and natural in Italian, especially with passive or reflexive verbs. It keeps the flow smooth and places the concluding focus on the ingredients themselves.

Question 4

Does esaltare always mean 'to enhance'?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the context. In culinary or artistic contexts, esaltare means to enhance or bring out (like flavors or colors). But when talking about people or emotions, it means to exalt, praise, or even excite. For instance, an overly agitated or enthusiastic person is often called un esaltato.

È con questo abbinamento che si esaltano gli ingredienti.

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