Question 1

What role does tra l'altro play here, and could we move it elsewhere in the sentence?

Accepted Answer

Tra l'altro literally translates to 'among the other', but it acts as a conversational connector meaning 'by the way', 'incidentally', or 'besides'. It is used to slip in an additional point or a slight digression. While it is placed at the beginning here (which is very common), you could also put it at the very end: non credo che Marco abbia scritto un intreccio coerente, tra l'altro.

Question 2

Why is the verb abbia scritto in the subjunctive mood?

Accepted Answer

The phrase non credo che expresses doubt and personal opinion. Verbs of thinking, doubting, and believing (like credere, pensare, sperare) followed by che act as triggers that require the subjunctive mood in the dependent clause.

Question 3

Why do we need the past subjunctive (abbia scritto) instead of the present subjunctive (scriva)?

Accepted Answer

The tense choice depends on the timeline of events. The main verb credo is in the present, but Marco's action of writing happened in the past. To show that the subordinate action was already completed before the present belief, we must use the past subjunctive to express that anteriority.

Question 4

Is intreccio the usual word for a story's plot?

Accepted Answer

Yes! It literally means 'weave', 'tangle', or 'intertwining', but it is widely used in literature and film to refer to the 'plot' or 'storyline' (how the narrative events are woven together). Another very common word you will see for 'plot' is trama.

Tra l'altro, non credo che Marco abbia scritto un intreccio coerente.

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