Consequential subordinate conjunctions introduce a consequential clause. The purpose of this type of clause is to help express a fact or a sort of situation that is a direct consequence or result of what was stated in the main clause. In Italian, there are two types of consequential subordinate clauses: explicit and implicit. In this lesson, we will go over what each type of clause consists of, including the subordinating conjunctions that introduce them.
Let’s start with explicit consequential clauses. These clauses usually contain a verb expressed in the indicative mood and feature che as their consequential subordinate conjunction. (Keep in mind that, for the most part, the verb in the subordinate clause tends to match the tense or mood of the one in the main clause.) However, che does not work alone: it is preceded by another word that helps it assume its role as a consequential conjunction:
As we can see, the main clause normally contains a word that triggers the consequential conjunction. Our examples above contain adverbs that, with che, form the English equivalent of “so… that”. The same result can be achieved with certain adjectives, as well:
Mostly, these adverbs or adjectives work with che and surround a word that is being emphasized (our first example above emphasizes lavoro, etc.) However, our second example featuring an adjective shows us that there does not always have to be a word in between a conjunction trigger and the conjunction itself.
Below is a list of triggers that team up with che in order to introduce an explicit consequential clause:
Adverbs: così, talmente, tanto - so
Adjectives: tale, tanto - such, so much
An adverb followed by an adjective: così veloce, tanto intelligente - etc.
A pair of adverbs: così tanto, talmente tanto - so much
Other specific word phrases: in modo tale, in maniera tale - so much
al punto / a tal punto - to the point
As for implicit consequential clauses, verbs are always in their infinitive form and are introduced by the conjunction phrase al punto di. It is important to note that this conjunctive phrase differs from al punto che, which introduces an explicit consequential clause:
Let’s start with explicit consequential clauses. These clauses usually contain a verb expressed in the indicative mood and feature che as their consequential subordinate conjunction. (Keep in mind that, for the most part, the verb in the subordinate clause tends to match the tense or mood of the one in the main clause.) However, che does not work alone: it is preceded by another word that helps it assume its role as a consequential conjunction:
| Ballava così bene che in pochi minuti conquistò la pista da ballo. She danced so well that within minutes she won over the dance floor. La ragazza era talmente intelligente che persino il professore rimase basito. The girl was so smart that even the professor was astonished. |
As we can see, the main clause normally contains a word that triggers the consequential conjunction. Our examples above contain adverbs that, with che, form the English equivalent of “so… that”. The same result can be achieved with certain adjectives, as well:
| Ho tanto lavoro che questa sera non potrò venire a teatro con voi. I have so much work to do that I won’t be able to go to the theatre with you guys this evening. Ho una fame tale, che mangerei qualsiasi cosa. I am so hungry, that I would eat anything. |
Mostly, these adverbs or adjectives work with che and surround a word that is being emphasized (our first example above emphasizes lavoro, etc.) However, our second example featuring an adjective shows us that there does not always have to be a word in between a conjunction trigger and the conjunction itself.
Below is a list of triggers that team up with che in order to introduce an explicit consequential clause:
Adverbs: così, talmente, tanto - so
Adjectives: tale, tanto - such, so much
An adverb followed by an adjective: così veloce, tanto intelligente - etc.
A pair of adverbs: così tanto, talmente tanto - so much
Other specific word phrases: in modo tale, in maniera tale - so much
al punto / a tal punto - to the point
As for implicit consequential clauses, verbs are always in their infinitive form and are introduced by the conjunction phrase al punto di. It is important to note that this conjunctive phrase differs from al punto che, which introduces an explicit consequential clause:
| Sono stanco al punto di non poter partecipare alla conferenza. I’m tired to the point of not being able to attend the conference. |