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<div class="pg_page_title">[[Language/Italian|Italian]]  → [[Language/Italian/Grammar|Grammar]] → [[Language/Italian/Grammar/0-to-A1-Course|0 to A1 Course]] → Trapassato Prossimo</div>


<div class="pg_page_title">Italian Grammar - Compound Tenses > Trapassato Prossimo</div>
Welcome to our lesson on '''Trapassato Prossimo''', one of the essential compound tenses in Italian that allows us to talk about events that occurred before another past event. Understanding this tense is crucial for expressing yourself clearly and accurately in Italian. In this lesson, we will explore how to form and use the Trapassato Prossimo, providing you with clear examples and engaging cultural insights along the way.


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Trapassato Prossimo is one of the compound tenses in the Italian language, used to talk about a past action that took place before another past action. It is mainly used in formal Italian writing and spoken language.
=== Introduction to Trapassato Prossimo ===
 
The Trapassato Prossimo is a compound tense that translates to "past perfect" in English. It's used to indicate that one action was completed before another action in the past. For instance, if you want to say, "I had eaten before she arrived," you would be using Trapassato Prossimo to describe the act of eating that occurred before the arrival of the other person. Mastering this tense not only enriches your Italian conversation skills but also deepens your understanding of the sequence of events in storytelling.
 
The structure of this lesson will include the following sections:
 
* Formation of Trapassato Prossimo
 
* Examples illustrating its use
 
* Cultural insights and regional variations
 
* Summary of key points
 
* Exercises for practice
 
=== Formation of Trapassato Prossimo ===
 
The Trapassato Prossimo is formed using the imperfect tense of the auxiliary verbs '''essere''' (to be) or '''avere''' (to have) plus the past participle of the main verb. The choice between "essere" and "avere" depends on the verb being used. Let's break this down:
 
==== Step 1: Choose the Auxiliary Verb ====
 
* '''Avere''' is used with most verbs.
 
* '''Essere''' is used with reflexive verbs and certain intransitive verbs (e.g., verbs indicating movement or change of state).
 
==== Step 2: Conjugate the Auxiliary Verb in the Imperfect Tense ====
 
Here’s how you conjugate the auxiliary verbs "essere" and "avere" in the imperfect tense:
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
! Subject !! Avere !! Essere
 
|-
 
| io (I) || avevo || ero
 
|-
 
| tu (you) || avevi || eri


== Formation ==
|-


To form Trapassato Prossimo, you need two elements:
| lui/lei (he/she) || aveva || era


1. The imperfect tense of the auxiliary verbs "avere" or "essere" (depending on the main verb) in the third person singular
|-
2. The past participle of the main verb


The formula is:
| noi (we) || avevamo || eravamo


subject + imperfect of "avere/essere" + past participle of the main verb
|-


Here is an example with the verb "parlare" (to speak) with "avere":
| voi (you all) || avevate || eravate


Io avevo parlato (I had spoken)
|-
Tu avevi parlato (You had spoken)
Lui/lei aveva parlato (He/she had spoken)
Noi avevamo parlato (We had spoken)
Voi avevate parlato (You had spoken)
Loro avevano parlato (They had spoken)


And here is an example with the verb "uscire" (to go out) with "essere":
| loro (they) || avevano || erano


Io ero uscito (I had gone out)
|}
Tu eri uscito (You had gone out)
Lui/lei era uscito/a (He/she had gone out)
Noi eravamo usciti/e (We had gone out)
Voi eravate usciti/e (You had gone out)
Loro erano usciti/e (They had gone out)


Note that when using "essere", the past participle agrees in gender and number with the subject.
==== Step 3: Use the Past Participle ====


== Usage ==
The past participle must agree in gender and number with the subject when using "essere." Here are the rules for forming the past participle:


Trapassato Prossimo is used to indicate an action that was completed before another action in the past. It is often used in combination with Passato Prossimo or Imperfetto.
* For regular verbs:


Here are some example sentences:
* '''-are''' verbs: drop -are and add -ato (e.g., parlare → parlato)


* Quando sono arrivato a casa, mio marito era già andato a letto.
* '''-ere''' verbs: drop -ere and add -uto (e.g., vendere → venduto)
(When I arrived home, my husband had already gone to bed.)


* L'anno scorso aveva piovuto molto quando siamo andati in vacanza.
* '''-ire''' verbs: drop -ire and add -ito (e.g., dormire → dormito)
(Last year it had rained a lot when we went on vacation.)


* Avevano già chiuso il negozio quando sono arrivato.
* For irregular verbs, you must memorize the past participle forms.
(They had already closed the shop when I arrived.)


== Irregular Verbs ==
Now, let’s see how this all comes together in the Trapassato Prossimo.


Most verbs follow the regular pattern for Trapassato Prossimo formation. However, some verbs have irregular past participles that do not follow the normal rule of adding "-ato", "-uto", or "-ito".
=== Examples Illustrating Its Use ===


Here are some commonly used verbs with their irregular past participles:
Here are 20 examples to illustrate the formation and usage of the Trapassato Prossimo:


{| class="wikitable"
{| class="wikitable"
! Italian !! English !! Past Participle
 
! Italian !! Pronunciation !! English
 
|-
|-
| aprire || to open || aperto
 
| Avevo mangiato prima di uscire. || ah-veh-voh mahn-JAH-toh PREE-mah dee ooh-SHEE-reh. || I had eaten before going out.
 
|-
|-
| bere || to drink || bevuto
 
| Erano arrivati prima di noi. || EH-rah-noh ah-ree-VAH-tee PREE-mah dee NOY. || They had arrived before us.
 
|-
|-
| chiedere || to ask || chiesto
 
| Avevamo visto quel film. || ah-veh-VAH-mo vee-STO kwel feelm. || We had seen that movie.
 
|-
|-
| chiudere || to close || chiuso
 
| Tu avevi comprato il pane. || too ah-VEH-vee kom-PRAH-toh eel PAH-neh. || You had bought the bread.
 
|-
|-
| decidere || to decide || deciso
 
| Lei era andata a casa. || lay EH-rah ahn-DAH-tah ah KAH-zah. || She had gone home.
 
|-
|-
| dire || to say || detto
 
| Lui aveva scritto una lettera. || loo-ee ah-VEH-vah SKEE-toh oo-nah LET-teh-rah. || He had written a letter.
 
|-
|-
| fare || to do/make || fatto
 
| Avevano già finito il lavoro. || ah-VEH-noh jah fee-NEE-toh eel lah-VOH-roh. || They had already finished the work.
 
|-
|-
| leggere || to read || letto
 
| Io ero stato in Italia. || ee-oh EH-roh STAH-toh een ee-TAH-lee-ah. || I had been in Italy.
 
|-
|-
| mettere || to put || messo
 
| Noi avevamo parlato del progetto. || noi ah-veh-VAH-mo par-LAH-toh del pro-JET-toh. || We had talked about the project.
 
|-
|-
| morire || to die || morto
 
| Tu eri arrivato in tempo. || too EH-ree ah-ree-VAH-toh een TEM-poh. || You had arrived on time.
 
|-
|-
| nascere || to be born || nato
 
| Lei aveva mangiato la pizza. || lay ah-VEH-vah mahn-JAH-toh lah PEET-sah. || She had eaten the pizza.
 
|-
|-
| offrire || to offer || offerto
 
| Loro erano partiti prima di noi. || LOH-roh EH-rah-noh par-TEE-tee PREE-mah dee NOY. || They had left before us.
 
|-
|-
| prendere || to take || preso
 
| Io avevo già visto quel ristorante. || ee-oh ah-VEH-voh jah VEE-stoh kwel REE-stoh-RAHN-teh. || I had already seen that restaurant.
 
|-
|-
| scrivere || to write || scritto
 
| Voi eravate stati in vacanza. || voi eh-rah-VAH-teh STAH-tee een vah-KAN-tsah. || You all had been on vacation.
 
|-
|-
| vedere || to see || visto
 
| Avevano comprato un regalo per lui. || ah-VEH-noh kom-PRAH-toh oon reh-GAH-loh per loo-ee. || They had bought a gift for him.
 
|-
 
| Tu eri uscito prima del film. || too EH-ree oo-SHEE-toh PREE-mah del feelm. || You had left before the movie.
 
|-
|-
| vincere || to win || vinto
 
| Noi avevamo deciso di partire. || noi ah-veh-VAH-mo deh-CHEE-soh dee par-TEE-reh. || We had decided to leave.
 
|-
|-
| volere || to want || voluto
 
| Lei era tornata a casa. || lay EH-rah tor-NAH-tah ah KAH-zah. || She had returned home.
 
|-
 
| Lui aveva dimenticato il libro. || loo-ee ah-VEH-vah dee-men-tee-KAH-toh eel LEE-broh. || He had forgotten the book.
 
|-
 
| Io ero arrivato tardi. || ee-oh EH-roh ah-ree-VAH-toh TAR-dee. || I had arrived late.
 
|}
|}


== Exercises ==
=== Cultural Insights and Regional Variations ===
 
The use of Trapassato Prossimo can vary across different regions of Italy. For example, in the south, particularly in Sicily, you might hear a more informal style of speaking where the Trapassato Prossimo is less frequently used in favor of simpler past forms. This reflects a broader trend in spoken Italian where speakers often prefer brevity and simplicity.
 
Moreover, in literature, the Trapassato Prossimo tends to be used more frequently to create a sense of reflection and nostalgia, capturing memories and past experiences vividly. This is particularly evident in the works of famous Italian authors like '''Italo Calvino''' and '''Alessandro Manzoni''', who masterfully employ this tense to weave intricate narratives.
 
One interesting cultural fact is that the Italian language is influenced by its rich history, including the various dialects that exist within the country. These dialects can have their own unique grammatical structures and usages, which sometimes affect the way past tenses are used. For instance, in some regions, the Trapassato Prossimo might be replaced by a different tense altogether, showcasing the diversity of the Italian language.
 
=== Summary ===
 
In summary, the Trapassato Prossimo is an essential compound tense that helps convey the sequence of past events. Key points to remember include:
 
* Formed using the imperfect tense of either '''essere''' or '''avere''' plus the past participle.
 
* The auxiliary verb depends on the main verb being used.
 
* Important for expressing actions that occurred before other past actions.
 
* Regional variations may influence its use and understanding.
 
=== Exercises for Practice ===
 
Now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Below are ten exercises designed to help you practice the Trapassato Prossimo.
 
==== Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks ====
 
Complete the sentences using the correct form of Trapassato Prossimo.
 
1. Prima di andare al cinema, noi ______ (mangiare) la cena.
 
2. Quando sono arrivato, loro ______ (partire).
 
3. Tu ______ (finire) il lavoro prima di andartene.
 
4. Lei ______ (scrivere) il libro prima di pubblicarlo.
 
5. Io ______ (essere) in Italia prima di andare in Francia.
 
==== Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences ====
 
Translate the following sentences into Italian using Trapassato Prossimo.
 
1. They had already left when I arrived.
 
2. We had never seen that movie before.
 
3. She had eaten breakfast before going to school.
 
4. He had written a letter before the deadline.
 
5. I had visited Rome before my trip to Venice.
 
==== Exercise 3: Identify the Auxiliary Verb ====
 
Identify whether the following sentences use '''essere''' or '''avere''' as the auxiliary verb.
 
1. Io ______ (essere) andato al mercato.
 
2. Noi ______ (avere) visto il film.
 
3. Tu ______ (essere) arrivato in ritardo.
 
4. Loro ______ (avere) comprato un regalo.
 
5. Lei ______ (essere) tornata a casa.
 
==== Exercise 4: Write Your Own Sentences ====
 
Create five sentences in Italian using Trapassato Prossimo about your past experiences.
 
==== Exercise 5: Correct the Mistakes ====
 
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.
 
1. Noi eravamo mangiato la pizza prima di uscire.
 
2. Tu avevi stato al mare l'estate scorsa.
 
3. Io aveva scritto un'email ieri.


Translate the following sentences into Italian using Trapassato Prossimo:
4. Loro erano partiti prima che io arrivai.


# I had already eaten when my friends arrived.
5. Lei avevano visto il concerto.
# We had seen the movie before, but we wanted to watch it again.
# They had already left when we arrived at the restaurant.


== Sources ==
=== Solutions and Explanations ===
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trapassato_Prossimo Trapassato Prossimo]
* [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Italian_grammar Italian grammar]


Now let’s look at the solutions for each exercise:
==== Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks Solutions ====
1. avevamo mangiato
2. erano partiti
3. avevi finito
4. aveva scritto
5. ero stato
==== Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences Solutions ====
1. Erano già partiti quando sono arrivato.
2. Non avevamo mai visto quel film prima.
3. Lei aveva mangiato la colazione prima di andare a scuola.
4. Lui aveva scritto una lettera prima della scadenza.
5. Ero stato a Roma prima del mio viaggio a Venezia.
==== Exercise 3: Identify the Auxiliary Verb Solutions ====
1. essere
2. avere
3. essere
4. avere
5. essere
==== Exercise 4: Write Your Own Sentences Solutions ====
(Answers will vary based on students' sentences.)
==== Exercise 5: Correct the Mistakes Solutions ====
1. Noi avevamo mangiato la pizza prima di uscire.
2. Tu eri stato al mare l'estate scorsa.
3. Io avevo scritto un'email ieri.
4. Loro erano partiti prima che io arrivassi.
5. Lei aveva visto il concerto.
To wrap up this lesson on the '''Trapassato Prossimo''', remember that practice makes perfect! Keep using this tense in your conversations and writing to become more fluent in Italian. Enjoy your learning journey, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!


{{#seo:
{{#seo:
|title=Italian Grammar - Compound Tenses > Trapassato Prossimo
|keywords=Italian grammar, Compound tenses, Trapassato Prossimo, irregular verbs, Italian language
|description=In this lesson, you will learn about the Trapassato Prossimo tense in the Italian language. We will discuss its formation, usage, and irregular verbs, as well as provide some exercises for practicing. }}


|title=Italian Grammar Trapassato Prossimo
|keywords=Italian grammar, Trapassato Prossimo, past perfect, Italian language, learning Italian
|description=In this lesson, you will learn how to form and use the Trapassato Prossimo compound tense in Italian with clear examples and cultural insights.
}}


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==Videos==


==Related Lessons==
===Pluperfect Tense in Italian: Trapassato Prossimo - YouTube===
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0FFi-v92uqY</youtube>
 
===How to use Italian past tense TRAPASSATO PROSSIMO in a ...===
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-9FBQLgWDpo</youtube>
 
===Il trapassato prossimo | B1 Italian Grammar - YouTube===
<youtube>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoSvWw_-UDA</youtube>
 
 
 
==Sources==
* [https://www.thinkinitalian.com/the-past-perfect-italian/ Italian past perfect (trapassato prossimo) grammar lesson]
* [https://www.thelanguageisland.com/trapassato-prossimo-italian-past-perfect-tense/ Trapassato Prossimo: The Italian Past Perfect Tense - The ...]
* [https://www.thoughtco.com/italian-past-perfect-tense-2011707 Italian Past Perfect Tense - Trapassato Prossimo]
 
 
 
==Other Lessons==
* [[Language/Italian/Grammar/Congiuntivo-Passato|Congiuntivo Passato]]
* [[Language/Italian/Grammar/Congiuntivo-Passato|Congiuntivo Passato]]
* [[Language/Italian/Grammar/Simple-Past-Subjunctive|Simple Past Subjunctive]]
* [[Language/Italian/Grammar/Simple-Past-Subjunctive|Simple Past Subjunctive]]
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* [[Language/Italian/Grammar/Definite-Articles-in-Italian|Definite Articles in Italian]]
* [[Language/Italian/Grammar/Definite-Articles-in-Italian|Definite Articles in Italian]]
* [[Language/Italian/Grammar/Past-Participle-in-Italian|Past Participle in Italian]]
* [[Language/Italian/Grammar/Past-Participle-in-Italian|Past Participle in Italian]]


{{Italian-Page-Bottom}}
{{Italian-Page-Bottom}}
<span pgnav>
{| class="wikitable pg_template_nav"
|[[Language/Italian/Culture/Religion-and-Believes|◀️ Religion and Believes — Previous Lesson]]
|[[Language/Italian/Grammar/Trapassato-Remoto|Next Lesson — Trapassato Remoto ▶️]]
|}
</span>

Latest revision as of 14:15, 29 July 2024

◀️ Religion and Believes — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Trapassato Remoto ▶️

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Italian → Grammar → 0 to A1 Course → Trapassato Prossimo

Welcome to our lesson on Trapassato Prossimo, one of the essential compound tenses in Italian that allows us to talk about events that occurred before another past event. Understanding this tense is crucial for expressing yourself clearly and accurately in Italian. In this lesson, we will explore how to form and use the Trapassato Prossimo, providing you with clear examples and engaging cultural insights along the way.

Introduction to Trapassato Prossimo[edit | edit source]

The Trapassato Prossimo is a compound tense that translates to "past perfect" in English. It's used to indicate that one action was completed before another action in the past. For instance, if you want to say, "I had eaten before she arrived," you would be using Trapassato Prossimo to describe the act of eating that occurred before the arrival of the other person. Mastering this tense not only enriches your Italian conversation skills but also deepens your understanding of the sequence of events in storytelling.

The structure of this lesson will include the following sections:

  • Formation of Trapassato Prossimo
  • Examples illustrating its use
  • Cultural insights and regional variations
  • Summary of key points
  • Exercises for practice

Formation of Trapassato Prossimo[edit | edit source]

The Trapassato Prossimo is formed using the imperfect tense of the auxiliary verbs essere (to be) or avere (to have) plus the past participle of the main verb. The choice between "essere" and "avere" depends on the verb being used. Let's break this down:

Step 1: Choose the Auxiliary Verb[edit | edit source]

  • Avere is used with most verbs.
  • Essere is used with reflexive verbs and certain intransitive verbs (e.g., verbs indicating movement or change of state).

Step 2: Conjugate the Auxiliary Verb in the Imperfect Tense[edit | edit source]

Here’s how you conjugate the auxiliary verbs "essere" and "avere" in the imperfect tense:

Subject Avere Essere
io (I) avevo ero
tu (you) avevi eri
lui/lei (he/she) aveva era
noi (we) avevamo eravamo
voi (you all) avevate eravate
loro (they) avevano erano

Step 3: Use the Past Participle[edit | edit source]

The past participle must agree in gender and number with the subject when using "essere." Here are the rules for forming the past participle:

  • For regular verbs:
  • -are verbs: drop -are and add -ato (e.g., parlare → parlato)
  • -ere verbs: drop -ere and add -uto (e.g., vendere → venduto)
  • -ire verbs: drop -ire and add -ito (e.g., dormire → dormito)
  • For irregular verbs, you must memorize the past participle forms.

Now, let’s see how this all comes together in the Trapassato Prossimo.

Examples Illustrating Its Use[edit | edit source]

Here are 20 examples to illustrate the formation and usage of the Trapassato Prossimo:

Italian Pronunciation English
Avevo mangiato prima di uscire. ah-veh-voh mahn-JAH-toh PREE-mah dee ooh-SHEE-reh. I had eaten before going out.
Erano arrivati prima di noi. EH-rah-noh ah-ree-VAH-tee PREE-mah dee NOY. They had arrived before us.
Avevamo visto quel film. ah-veh-VAH-mo vee-STO kwel feelm. We had seen that movie.
Tu avevi comprato il pane. too ah-VEH-vee kom-PRAH-toh eel PAH-neh. You had bought the bread.
Lei era andata a casa. lay EH-rah ahn-DAH-tah ah KAH-zah. She had gone home.
Lui aveva scritto una lettera. loo-ee ah-VEH-vah SKEE-toh oo-nah LET-teh-rah. He had written a letter.
Avevano già finito il lavoro. ah-VEH-noh jah fee-NEE-toh eel lah-VOH-roh. They had already finished the work.
Io ero stato in Italia. ee-oh EH-roh STAH-toh een ee-TAH-lee-ah. I had been in Italy.
Noi avevamo parlato del progetto. noi ah-veh-VAH-mo par-LAH-toh del pro-JET-toh. We had talked about the project.
Tu eri arrivato in tempo. too EH-ree ah-ree-VAH-toh een TEM-poh. You had arrived on time.
Lei aveva mangiato la pizza. lay ah-VEH-vah mahn-JAH-toh lah PEET-sah. She had eaten the pizza.
Loro erano partiti prima di noi. LOH-roh EH-rah-noh par-TEE-tee PREE-mah dee NOY. They had left before us.
Io avevo già visto quel ristorante. ee-oh ah-VEH-voh jah VEE-stoh kwel REE-stoh-RAHN-teh. I had already seen that restaurant.
Voi eravate stati in vacanza. voi eh-rah-VAH-teh STAH-tee een vah-KAN-tsah. You all had been on vacation.
Avevano comprato un regalo per lui. ah-VEH-noh kom-PRAH-toh oon reh-GAH-loh per loo-ee. They had bought a gift for him.
Tu eri uscito prima del film. too EH-ree oo-SHEE-toh PREE-mah del feelm. You had left before the movie.
Noi avevamo deciso di partire. noi ah-veh-VAH-mo deh-CHEE-soh dee par-TEE-reh. We had decided to leave.
Lei era tornata a casa. lay EH-rah tor-NAH-tah ah KAH-zah. She had returned home.
Lui aveva dimenticato il libro. loo-ee ah-VEH-vah dee-men-tee-KAH-toh eel LEE-broh. He had forgotten the book.
Io ero arrivato tardi. ee-oh EH-roh ah-ree-VAH-toh TAR-dee. I had arrived late.

Cultural Insights and Regional Variations[edit | edit source]

The use of Trapassato Prossimo can vary across different regions of Italy. For example, in the south, particularly in Sicily, you might hear a more informal style of speaking where the Trapassato Prossimo is less frequently used in favor of simpler past forms. This reflects a broader trend in spoken Italian where speakers often prefer brevity and simplicity.

Moreover, in literature, the Trapassato Prossimo tends to be used more frequently to create a sense of reflection and nostalgia, capturing memories and past experiences vividly. This is particularly evident in the works of famous Italian authors like Italo Calvino and Alessandro Manzoni, who masterfully employ this tense to weave intricate narratives.

One interesting cultural fact is that the Italian language is influenced by its rich history, including the various dialects that exist within the country. These dialects can have their own unique grammatical structures and usages, which sometimes affect the way past tenses are used. For instance, in some regions, the Trapassato Prossimo might be replaced by a different tense altogether, showcasing the diversity of the Italian language.

Summary[edit | edit source]

In summary, the Trapassato Prossimo is an essential compound tense that helps convey the sequence of past events. Key points to remember include:

  • Formed using the imperfect tense of either essere or avere plus the past participle.
  • The auxiliary verb depends on the main verb being used.
  • Important for expressing actions that occurred before other past actions.
  • Regional variations may influence its use and understanding.

Exercises for Practice[edit | edit source]

Now it’s time to put your knowledge to the test! Below are ten exercises designed to help you practice the Trapassato Prossimo.

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks[edit | edit source]

Complete the sentences using the correct form of Trapassato Prossimo.

1. Prima di andare al cinema, noi ______ (mangiare) la cena.

2. Quando sono arrivato, loro ______ (partire).

3. Tu ______ (finire) il lavoro prima di andartene.

4. Lei ______ (scrivere) il libro prima di pubblicarlo.

5. Io ______ (essere) in Italia prima di andare in Francia.

Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences[edit | edit source]

Translate the following sentences into Italian using Trapassato Prossimo.

1. They had already left when I arrived.

2. We had never seen that movie before.

3. She had eaten breakfast before going to school.

4. He had written a letter before the deadline.

5. I had visited Rome before my trip to Venice.

Exercise 3: Identify the Auxiliary Verb[edit | edit source]

Identify whether the following sentences use essere or avere as the auxiliary verb.

1. Io ______ (essere) andato al mercato.

2. Noi ______ (avere) visto il film.

3. Tu ______ (essere) arrivato in ritardo.

4. Loro ______ (avere) comprato un regalo.

5. Lei ______ (essere) tornata a casa.

Exercise 4: Write Your Own Sentences[edit | edit source]

Create five sentences in Italian using Trapassato Prossimo about your past experiences.

Exercise 5: Correct the Mistakes[edit | edit source]

Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences.

1. Noi eravamo mangiato la pizza prima di uscire.

2. Tu avevi stato al mare l'estate scorsa.

3. Io aveva scritto un'email ieri.

4. Loro erano partiti prima che io arrivai.

5. Lei avevano visto il concerto.

Solutions and Explanations[edit | edit source]

Now let’s look at the solutions for each exercise:

Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. avevamo mangiato

2. erano partiti

3. avevi finito

4. aveva scritto

5. ero stato

Exercise 2: Translate the Sentences Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. Erano già partiti quando sono arrivato.

2. Non avevamo mai visto quel film prima.

3. Lei aveva mangiato la colazione prima di andare a scuola.

4. Lui aveva scritto una lettera prima della scadenza.

5. Ero stato a Roma prima del mio viaggio a Venezia.

Exercise 3: Identify the Auxiliary Verb Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. essere

2. avere

3. essere

4. avere

5. essere

Exercise 4: Write Your Own Sentences Solutions[edit | edit source]

(Answers will vary based on students' sentences.)

Exercise 5: Correct the Mistakes Solutions[edit | edit source]

1. Noi avevamo mangiato la pizza prima di uscire.

2. Tu eri stato al mare l'estate scorsa.

3. Io avevo scritto un'email ieri.

4. Loro erano partiti prima che io arrivassi.

5. Lei aveva visto il concerto.

To wrap up this lesson on the Trapassato Prossimo, remember that practice makes perfect! Keep using this tense in your conversations and writing to become more fluent in Italian. Enjoy your learning journey, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions!

Table of Contents - Italian Course - 0 to A1[edit source]

Introduction to Italian Language


Daily Life Expressions


Italian Culture and Tradition


Past and Future Tenses


Social and Work Life


Italian Literature and Cinema


Subjunctive and Imperative Moods


Science and Technology


Italian Politics and Society


Compound Tenses


Arts and Design


Italian Language and Dialects

Videos[edit | edit source]

Pluperfect Tense in Italian: Trapassato Prossimo - YouTube[edit | edit source]

How to use Italian past tense TRAPASSATO PROSSIMO in a ...[edit | edit source]

Il trapassato prossimo | B1 Italian Grammar - YouTube[edit | edit source]


Sources[edit | edit source]


Other Lessons[edit | edit source]



◀️ Religion and Believes — Previous Lesson Next Lesson — Trapassato Remoto ▶️

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