How to say "according to": Italian Grammar Lesson

Key Takeaways

The phrase secondo... is commonly used to express opinions or sources in Italian.
Use in base a to indicate outcomes that vary based on conditions or circumstances.
A seconda di is an alternative to in base a, and both convey the same meaning.
Ensure proper use of prepositions with corresponding definite articles based on the grammatical gender and number of nouns.
Examples like Secondo me and In base al prezzo illustrate practical applications of these phrases in conversation.

Stefano's Insights

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Ah, le preposizioni italiane, sempre pronte a farci impazzire! "Secondo" è il tuo amico fidato quando vuoi esprimere opinioni o attribuire una fonte. Ricordo una volta in cui ho detto "secondo me" durante un dibattito appassionato sul miglior gelato di Roma, e ho vinto! Poi c'è "in base a", perfetto per condizioni variabili, come quando scegli il vino in base al prezzo. E non dimentichiamo "a seconda di", che ti offre un'alternativa stilistica. Attenzione alla concordanza dell'articolo, però! È un po' come scegliere la giusta salsa per la pasta: ogni dettaglio conta!

Ah, Italian prepositions, always ready to drive us crazy! "Secondo" is your trusty friend when you want to express opinions or attribute a source. I remember once saying "secondo me" during a passionate debate about the best gelato in Rome, and I won! Then there's "in base a", perfect for variable conditions, like choosing wine based on price. And let's not forget "a seconda di", which offers a stylistic alternative. Watch out for article agreement, though! It's a bit like choosing the right sauce for pasta: every detail counts!

Quick facts

What does "secondo" mean in Italian?

"Secondo" translates to "according to" in English, often used to reference opinions or ideas.

How is "in base a" used in Italian?

"In base a" means "based on" and is used to indicate reasons or criteria behind decisions.

Can "secondo" be used with pronouns?

Yes, "secondo" can be paired with pronouns, e.g., "secondo me" (in my opinion).

Is "in base a" commonly used with pronouns?

No, "in base a" is less commonly used with pronouns; it's typically followed by ideas or things.

What are some variations of "in base a"?

Variations include "in base al," "alla," "all'," "allo," "ai," "alle," and "agli," depending on the noun's gender and number.

How can "secondo" be used to cite an opinion?

"Secondo" is used to attribute opinions, e.g., "Secondo la dottoressa" (according to the doctor).

Can "in base a" be used in academic writing?

Yes, "in base a" is very common in academic writing to base arguments on data or criteria.

How does "secondo" help in referencing ideas?

"Secondo" helps in referencing ideas by attributing them to a source, e.g., "Secondo Dante" (according to Dante).

What's an example of "in base a" in decision-making?

"Abbiamo preso una decisione in base a certi criteri" (We took a decision based on certain criteria).

How does "secondo" compare to "in base a" in usage?

"Secondo" is more personal, often citing opinions, whereas "in base a" references objective criteria or factors.

Audio images

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Secondo il professore, l'esame sarà facile.

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Abbiamo preparato il progetto in base ai requisiti.

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Main Article

How to say “According to” in Italian

“Secondo…”

You might already know that one of the ways you can translate the expression “according to” is the Italian secondo me. In general, the expression secondo… is used to express opinions or sources.

Secondo me, è meglio evitare quel ristorante.

In my opinion, it’s better to avoid that restaurant.

Secondo il professore, l’esame sarà difficile.

According to the professor, the exam will be difficult.

“In Base a…”

Another way to translate “according to” is the Italian phrase in base a. Specifically, this expression is used to indicate that an outcome varies based on certain conditions or circumstances, implying variability and dependence.

In base al prezzo, scelgo il vino.

Depending on the price, I’ll pick the wine.

Il prezzo del biglietto varia in base all’età.

The ticket price varies according to age.

A very commonly used alternative to this expression is a seconda di. These two phrases have the same meaning and use. You can choose the one you like the most!

Il prezzo del pesce cambia in base al/a seconda del peso.

The price of the fish depends on the weight.

Of course, make sure that the preposition is properly linked with the corresponding definite article, according to the grammatical gender and number of the noun that follows it. This applies to both the preposition a and di.

In base al / a seconda del (masculine singular)
In base alla/ a seconda della (feminine singular)
In base agli/ a seconda degli (masculine plural)
In base alle/ a seconda delle (feminine plural)

Key Terms and Concepts

Secondo

The phrase secondo is used to express opinions or sources, similar to "according to" or "in my opinion" in English.

In base a

This phrase indicates an outcome varying based on specific conditions or circumstances, emphasizing variability and dependence, akin to "according to" or "depending on" in English.

A seconda di

An alternative to in base a, it shares the same meaning, indicating dependence on certain conditions or circumstances.

Preposition-Noun Agreement

Ensure prepositions like a and di match the grammatical gender and number of following nouns, e.g., in base al or a seconda della.

Test your knowledge in 10 quick questions

Words

secondoaccording to

opinioneopinion

fontesource

circostanzacircumstance

condizionecondition

prezzoprice

maschilemasculine

singolaresingular

articoloarticle

generegender

Phrases

secondo mein my opinion

secondo lui/leiaccording to him/her

in base abased on

a seconda didepending on

secondo noiaccording to us

secondo loroaccording to them

secondo quanto dettoaccording to what was said

secondo il rapportoaccording to the report

secondo l'espertoaccording to the expert

secondo le fontiaccording to sources

Sentences

Secondo me, dovremmo partire domani.

In my opinion, we should leave tomorrow.

In base al meteo, decideremo se fare il picnic.

Depending on the weather, we will decide whether to have the picnic.

Secondo il giornale, ci sarà uno sciopero domani.

According to the newspaper, there will be a strike tomorrow.

In base ai risultati, il progetto è stato un successo.

Based on the results, the project was a success.

A seconda della disponibilità, possiamo organizzare una riunione.

Depending on the availability, we can organize a meeting.

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Answers

FAQs

What do "secondo" and "in base a" mean?

They are used to give opinions or facts to support our ideas. In English they can be translated as according to, based on, or in someone's opinion.

How to use "secondo"?

We use it when we want to give someone’s opinion or when we want to reference someone. It can be followed by noun, pronoun, or sentence.

How to use in "base a"?

We use it when something is based on ideas or things rather than people.

Italian word of the day

dell’acqua

Sai nuotare? No, ho paura dell’acqua.

Can you swim? No, I’m scared of water.

How to say “According to”: Italian Grammar Lesson

Key Takeaways

Stefano's Insights