Question 1

Why use rispetto a here instead of just comparing with di?

Accepted Answer

While you could say è più economico di quello mensile (is cheaper than the monthly one), using rispetto a specifically means "compared to". It highlights the contrast between the two options and is followed directly by a noun or pronoun. It is a very natural way to frame comparisons at an upper-intermediate level.

Question 2

Why do we need quello here? Doesn't the English translation just say "the monthly one"?

Accepted Answer

Exactly! In Italian, quello (or its variants) is frequently used to express "the ... one". Because we want to avoid repeating the noun abbonamento, we use the demonstrative pronoun quello. It must match the gender and number of the masculine singular noun it replaces.

Question 3

Can quello change its ending here to quel or quell' like it does in other sentences?

Accepted Answer

No, it keeps its full form. When quello is used as an adjective right before a noun, it shape-shifts to match the definite article (like quel ragazzo or quell'amico). But when it acts as a pronoun standing alone, as it does here, it always keeps its full form: quello, quella, quelli, or quelle.

Question 4

Does economico mean "cheap" or "economic"?

Accepted Answer

It can mean both! Context is key. When describing prices, products, or subscriptions, it means "cheap" or "affordable". When discussing a country's finances, it means "economic" (like la crisi economica). If you want to call something "cheap" meaning poor quality, you would use scadente instead.

L'abbonamento annuale è più economico rispetto a quello mensile.

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