Question 1

Why do we use che before the infinitive brontolare instead of a preposition like a or di?

Accepted Answer

In the structure non fare altro che (to do nothing but), che literally acts as "than" or "except," just like it does in comparisons (doing nothing other than). Because of this comparative function, it connects directly to the infinitive that follows it, so you don't need any of the usual linking prepositions.

Question 2

How would I say "She did nothing but grumble" in the past tense?

Accepted Answer

You simply conjugate the verb fare into the past tense. In the passato prossimo, it becomes Lei non ha fatto altro che brontolare. The rest of the phrase, including the infinitive, stays exactly the same.

Question 3

What is the difference between brontolare and lamentarsi?

Accepted Answer

While both mean to complain, brontolare specifically means to "grumble" or "mutter"—picture someone making a low, continuous, grumpy noise under their breath. Lamentarsi is the more general and standard verb for complaining. Fun fact: brontolare is also the verb used when your stomach rumbles!

Question 4

Could I say non fa nient'altro che brontolare to mean the exact same thing?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Adding niente (nothing) to make nient'altro is perfectly valid and just adds a tiny bit more emphasis ("she does absolutely nothing else but..."). However, the shorter non fa altro che is already very emphatic and is the standard way to express an exclusive action.

Lei non fa altro che brontolare.

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