Comparatives expressing equality (comparativi di uguaglianza) tell us when two things, actions, or people are on equal terms.
- Comparing Adjectives and Adverbs
When comparing adjectives and adverbs, you have two options that can be used interchangeably and both are invariable: (così) … come and (tanto) … quanto.Il mio vestito è (tanto) elegante quanto vistoso.
My dress is as stylish as it is showy.
Mia cugina sa nuotare (così) velocemente come Silvia.
My cousin can swim as well as Silvia.
Questi ravioli sono (tanto) buoni quanto sostanziosi.
These ravioli taste as good as they are nutritious.
Sai parlare francese (così) bene come una persona madrelingua!
You can speak French as well as a native speaker!
NB: Così and tanto are optional and generally not used in contemporary speech. - Comparing Nouns and Verbs
When comparing nouns use: tanto … quanto. In these cases, there must be agreement because tanto and quanto are considered adjectives in these cases.Cesare aveva tanti gatti quanti cani.
Cesare had as many cats as dogs.
Io ho tanti soldi quanti ne ha lui.
I have as much money as he has.
NB: Tanto is not optional when used with nouns.
When comparing verbs use: (tanto) … quanto. In these cases, tanto and quanto are considered adverbs and therefore agreement is not necessary.Ho mangiato (tanto) quanto mio marito.
I ate as much as my husband.
Gli studenti avevano contribuito alla riuscita della lezione (tanto) quanto il professore.
The students had contributed to the success of the lecture as much as the professor.