Question 1

Why is fallisse in the subjunctive rather than the indicative?

Accepted Answer

In this sentence, in modo che expresses a purpose or intention: they organized the prank in order for nothing to fail. When in modo che is used to show purpose, it triggers the subjunctive. If it were merely stating a factual consequence, meaning "in such a way that nothing actually failed", it would use the indicative.

Question 2

Why do we use the imperfect subjunctive (fallisse) instead of the present subjunctive (fallisca)?

Accepted Answer

This is because of tense agreement. The main verb, avevano organizzato, is in a past tense (the past perfect). Therefore, the subordinate purpose clause must also be set in the past, requiring the imperfect subjunctive fallisse. If the main clause were in the present tense, you would use fallisca.

Question 3

Could I use di modo che instead of in modo che here?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. In modo che and di modo che are essentially interchangeable when introducing both purpose and result clauses. In modo che is slightly more common in everyday conversation, but both fit perfectly in this sentence.

Question 4

Why isn't there a non before the verb since niente is used?

Accepted Answer

In Italian, when a negative word like niente (nothing) or nessuno (nobody) comes before the verb as the subject, you do not use non. You only use the double negative if the negative word comes after the verb. So, you could also correctly say in modo che non fallisse niente.

Avevano organizzato lo scherzo in anticipo in modo che niente fallisse.

Breakdown of Avevano organizzato lo scherzo in anticipo in modo che niente fallisse.

Questions & Answers about Avevano organizzato lo scherzo in anticipo in modo che niente fallisse.

Learn Avevano organizzato lo scherzo in anticipo in modo che niente fallisse and more in Italian