Question 1

How does the pronominal verb avercela break down in the phrase ce l'avesse?

Accepted Answer

The base verb avercela is made of avere (to have) + the pronoun ci + the pronoun la. When placed together, ci changes to ce because it sits in front of another pronoun. Finally, la drops its 'a' and becomes l' because the following verb form, avesse, starts with a vowel.

Question 2

Does the l' (from la) in ce l'avesse refer to a specific feminine noun?

Accepted Answer

No, the la in avercela is a "dummy" or empty pronoun. It doesn't replace a specific noun from earlier in the conversation. When combined with ci and con, it simply shifts the meaning of avere to the idiomatic expression "to have it in for someone" or "to be angry with someone".

Question 3

Why is avesse in the subjunctive mood rather than the indicative?

Accepted Answer

The subjunctive is triggered by the main clause Non ero sicuro che (I wasn't sure that). Expressions of doubt, uncertainty, and personal feelings almost always require the subjunctive mood in the dependent clause that follows.

Question 4

Why do we use the imperfect subjunctive (ce l'avesse) instead of the present subjunctive (ce l'abbia)?

Accepted Answer

This is due to the rules of tense agreement. The main clause is in a past tense (ero, the imperfect of essere). To show that her being angry was happening at the exact same time as his past uncertainty, you must use the imperfect subjunctive (avesse). If the sentence started with Non sono sicuro che (present tense), you would use abbia.

Non ero sicuro che lei ce l'avesse con me.

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