Breakdown of Lavoro nell'America settentrionale.
in
in / made of (material)
lavorare
to work
l'America
America (f)
settentrionale
northern
Questions & Answers about Lavoro nell'America settentrionale.
Why does this sentence use nell' instead of just in before America?
Normally, you use the simple preposition in without an article for singular countries and continents (like in America). However, because America is modified by the adjective settentrionale (northern), Italian grammar requires you to add the definite article. So, in combines with l' to make nell'.
Would I also use the article if I said Nord America instead of America settentrionale?
Yes. If you use Nord America, the word Nord still modifies America, so the definite article is still required. You would say nel Nord America.
What exactly is settentrionale and why not just use Nord?
Settentrionale is a formal geographical adjective meaning northern. It originates from the Latin word for the seven stars of the Big Dipper, which traditionally point north. While Nord is perfectly fine and very common, you will see settentrionale (and its opposite, meridionale for southern) used constantly in Italian news, maps, and formal conversation.
Does this article rule apply if I use a different preposition, like di (of)?
Yes. Whenever a country or continent is modified by an adjective or a specific phrase, it keeps the definite article no matter the preposition. For example, the history of North America translates to la storia dell'America settentrionale, combining di + l'.
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