Question 1

Why do we use the subjunctive for si opponga but the indicative for ha affidato?

Accepted Answer

This is the core of the non che... ma structure. Non che introduces a hypothetical or rejected reason, which requires the subjunctive mood (si opponga). Ma then introduces a factual statement or the actual reason, which takes the normal indicative mood (ha affidato).

Question 2

What is the infinitive of si opponga and why does it end in -a?

Accepted Answer

The verb is opporsi (to oppose or object), which is based on the irregular verb porre. Because it conjugates like a regular second-conjugation verb in the subjunctive, its present subjunctive forms for singular subjects all end in -a. Therefore, il direttore takes si opponga.

Question 3

Could we say ci si opponga instead of si opponga a noi?

Accepted Answer

You could, but using a noi is much clearer here. While ci can mean to us, the pronoun combination ci si is also exactly how you form the impersonal structure (meaning one opposes or people oppose). Using the separated a noi removes that ambiguity and adds a slight emphasis to us.

Question 4

Why is troppe used instead of troppo?

Accepted Answer

When troppo is used as an adjective modifying a noun, it has to agree in gender and number. The word mansione (duty or task) is a feminine noun, so in the plural it becomes mansioni, and troppo changes to the feminine plural troppe.

Non che il direttore si opponga a noi, ma ha affidato troppe mansioni.

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