Learn Italian: Il gatto è tranquillo, solo che finisce per graffiare a causa della paura. - The cat is calm, except that he ends up scratching out of fear.

Il gatto è tranquillo, solo che finisce per graffiare a causa della paura.

The cat is calm, except that he ends up scratching out of fear.

Breakdown of Il gatto è tranquillo, solo che finisce per graffiare a causa della paura.

Questions & Answers about Il gatto è tranquillo, solo che finisce per graffiare a causa della paura.

Why is finisce in the indicative mood? Doesn't che often trigger the subjunctive?

While many phrases ending in che do trigger the subjunctive, solo che (meaning "except that" or "the only thing is") is an exception. Because it introduces a factual obstacle or a true afterthought rather than a wish, doubt, or hypothetical scenario, it takes the indicative mood (finisce).

What is the function of per in the phrase finisce per graffiare?

The verb phrase finire per followed by an infinitive is the standard Italian structure for "to end up doing [something]". You must include the preposition per to connect the conjugated verb (finisce) to the infinitive action (graffiare).

Could I say per paura instead of a causa della paura here?

Yes, you absolutely can. Per paura is a very common, idiomatic way to say "out of fear". The phrase used in this sentence, a causa della (literally "due to the"), means exactly the same thing but sounds slightly more analytical or explanatory.

Does tranquillo just mean "tranquil"? Could I use calmo?

You could definitely use calmo, but tranquillo is the more natural, go-to adjective in conversational Italian. While it translates to "tranquil" or "calm", Italians use it constantly to describe anyone or anything that is easygoing, well-behaved, or "chill".