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Italian Modal Verbs: Potere, Volere, Dovere explained with examples

What are modal verbs in Italian? Modal verbs - potere (can), volere (want) and dovere (must) - are key to expressing yourself in Italian. These verbs allow you to express possibilities, desires and obligations, making them essential tools for anyone learning the language. Thanks to these verbs, you can construct more complex and precise sentences, even at beginner level. Let us now look at the characteristics of each verb, keeping in mind that these modal verbs are irregular and do not follow the typical conjugation patterns of regular verbs. Potere - To express possibility or permission The verb potere is used to indicate that an action is possible , or to ask for or give permission . Examples with Potere: Posso aprire la finestra? (May I open the window?)  - Permission Non posso venire domani. (I can't come tomorrow.) - Possibility Puoi aiutarmi? ( Can you help me?) - Possibility Conjugation of Potere (Present tense) Person Form io posso...
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The prepositions DA and PER to express duration - Le Preposizioni DA e PER per esprimere la durata

In Italian, the prepositions DA and PER are used to indicate the duration of an action, but they have different meanings and are used at specific times.
DA is used when an action started in the past and still continues in the present.
PER is used to indicate the duration of an action, but the action has not yet started at the time we are talking.
Let's see how to use them.


1. The preposition DA

The preposition DA indicates that the action started in the past and still continues in the present. The important thing here is that the action is not finished, it is still happening.


For example:
Da quanto sei in vacanza?
Sono in vacanza DA dieci giorni.
(The action of being on holiday started ten days ago and is still going on today).


Da quanto studi in Italia?
Studio in Italia DA due anni.
(The action of studying started two years ago and continues in the present).


Da quanto abiti in questa casa?
Abito in questa casa DA cinque anni.
(The action of living in this house started five years ago and continues in the present).


Dove vive Laura?
Laura vive a Parigi DA tre anni.
(The action started three years ago and Laura is still living in Paris at the present time).


2. The preposition FOR

The preposition PER is used when we are talking about an action that will have a certain duration, but has not yet started at the time we are talking.

For example:
Posso parlare PER cinque minuti.
(I am about to start speaking, and when I do, I will speak for five minutes).

Here are some examples to help you understand the difference between DA and PER:

  • Parlo DA cinque minuti. I have been talking for five minutes.
(The act of speaking started five minutes ago and I am still speaking).

  • Parlo PER cinque minuti. I'll speak for five minutes.
(The action has not yet started when I speak and the action will last five minutes, but I have not yet started).


PER is used when the action has not yet started or to indicate a duration that will have a definite limit.



To conclude

In conclusion, in order to correctly express the duration of actions in Italian, it is important to be able to distinguish between DA and PER. 

DA allows us to emphasise the link between the past and the present, giving the idea of an action that has begun but has not yet finished. 

PER, on the other hand, helps us to plan or describe actions that have a definite duration but have not yet begun. 

Using these prepositions correctly will allow you to communicate more accurately and naturally in your everyday life. 

See also prepositions A, DI and IN and simple and articulated prepositions.


You can now download the exercises on Italian prepositions DA and PER to express duration - Le Preposizioni DA e PER per esprimere la durata for FREE

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If you have any questions or would like to share your learning experience, please leave a comment below. I'm curious to know how you are progressing on your language journey!


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