Question 1

Since this lesson is about negative statements triggering the subjunctive, why isn't the subjunctive used here?

Accepted Answer

The subjunctive is triggered when a negative statement of certainty is followed by che and a new clause, usually with a different subject (e.g., Non sappiamo che lui lo deduca - 'We do not know that he is deducing it'). Here, the sentence uses an interrogative word (come) followed by an infinitive. This is the standard grammatical structure for expressing that you don't know how to do something.

Question 2

Could we just say Non sappiamo dedurre without come?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the nuance shifts slightly. Non sappiamo come dedurre focuses on lacking the method, clues, or instructions in this specific case. If you drop come, Non sappiamo dedurre sounds more like a general lack of ability or skill, meaning 'We don't know how to deduce' (as in, we are bad at deducing things in general).

Question 3

Why is sapere used here instead of conoscere?

Accepted Answer

You always use sapere when talking about knowing how to do an action, which involves following it with a verb. Conoscere means 'to be familiar with' or 'to be acquainted with' and is only ever followed by nouns (people, places, or things), never by an infinitive verb.

Question 4

Could the adjective esatta go before the noun instead (l'esatta sequenza)?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can. Placing it after the noun (la sequenza esatta) is the standard, objective way to distinguish this sequence from an approximate one. Putting it before the noun (l'esatta sequenza) is also correct but sounds slightly more formal or literary, placing stylistic emphasis on the exactness itself.

Non sappiamo come dedurre la sequenza esatta.

Breakdown of Non sappiamo come dedurre la sequenza esatta.

Questions & Answers about Non sappiamo come dedurre la sequenza esatta.

Learn Non sappiamo come dedurre la sequenza esatta and more in Italian