How to say "so as to": Italian Grammar Lesson 224

Key Takeaways

To express "so as to" in Italian, use in modo da followed by an infinitive verb.
Negation can be added by placing non before the infinitive verb, forming in modo da non + infinitive.
This structure is only applicable when the subjects of both clauses are the same.
For different subjects, use in modo che followed by the subjunctive mood.
Examples include: "Fai una lista della spesa in modo da non dimenticare niente" meaning "Make a shopping list so as to not forget anything."

Stefano's Insights

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Ah, la meraviglia delle congiunzioni! "In modo da" è come il coltellino svizzero delle espressioni italiane: ti permette di esprimere scopi e intenzioni con eleganza. Ricorda, però, che funziona solo quando il soggetto delle frasi è lo stesso. Se invece hai soggetti diversi, meglio optare per "in modo che" con il congiuntivo. Mi ricordo quando studiavo per l'esame di lingua italiana: facevo liste di verbi "in modo da" non dimenticare nulla. E tu, hai mai usato "in modo da" in una situazione divertente? Condividi pure, sono curioso!

Ah, the wonder of conjunctions! "In modo da" is like the Swiss army knife of Italian expressions: it lets you express purposes and intentions with elegance. Remember, though, it only works when the subject of the sentences is the same. If you have different subjects, better opt for "in modo che" with the subjunctive. I remember studying for my Italian language exam: I made verb lists "in modo da" not forget anything. And you, have you ever used "in modo da" in a funny situation? Feel free to share, I'm curious!

Quick facts

What does "in modo da" mean in Italian?

"In modo da" translates to "so as to" in English, indicating purpose.

How is "in modo da" used in a sentence structure?

It's used as "in modo da + infinitive verb," where the infinitive verb is the base form like mangiare.

Can "in modo da" be split in a sentence?

No, "in modo da" is a set phrase and cannot be split.

How do you make a sentence negative using "in modo da"?

Use "in modo da + non + infinitive verb" to form a negative sentence.

When can you use "in modo da" in a sentence?

It's used when the subject of both clauses is the same, indicating purpose or intent.

Could you give an example of "in modo da" in a sentence?

"Ho cucinato presto in modo da avere tempo per fare altre cose" means "I cooked early so as to have time to do other things."

How can "in modo da" be translated apart from "so as to"?

It can also mean "in order to," "so that," "as a means to," or "with the purpose of."

Why is "in modo da" useful in planning?

It helps indicate purposeful actions, like "Fai una lista della spesa in modo da non dimenticare niente" (Make a shopping list so as to not forget anything).

How does "in modo da" reflect one's intentions?

It clearly links actions to their intended outcomes, showing deliberate planning or preparation.

Can "in modo da" be used in future plans or preparations?

Yes, for example, "Stiamo mettendo un po’ di soldi da parte in modo da potere andare in vacanza" (We’re saving some money so as to be able to go on holiday).

Audio images

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Scrivi appunti in modo da ricordare le lezioni.

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Ho chiuso la finestra in modo da non fare entrare il freddo.

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Chiudi la finestra in modo da non far entrare il freddo.

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Main Article

“So as to” in Italian

The easiest way to translate the English expression “so as to” in Italian is in modo da, as you can see in the following example:

Fai una lista della spesa in modo da non dimenticare niente.

Make a shopping list of ingredients so as to not forget anything.

In both languages, it is a structure that is used to link two sentences. Specifically, it is a conjunction that is used to express the aim of a specific action.

How to use “in Modo da” in Italian

The structure of this expression is: in modo da + infinitive verb. If you want to make it, you simply add the negation before the verb, as follows: in modo da + non + infinitive verb.

An important aspect to keep in mind is that this structure can be used only when the subjects of the two sentences are the same:

Ho cucinato presto in modo da avere tempo per fare altre cose.

I cooked early so as to have time to do other things.

In this example, the person who cooked is the same as the person who wants to have time to do other things.

When the subjects are different, it is best to use the expression in modo che + subjunctive, that is more similar to saying “in order to” in Italian.

Examples

Here are some examples:

Luigi ha letto tanti libri di storia antica in modo da capire la storia moderna.

Luigi read many books about ancient history so as to understand modern history.

Stiamo mettendo un po’ di soldi da parte in modo da potere andare in vacanza.

We’re saving some money so as to be able to go on holiday.

Ho comprato i biglietti su internet in modo da non perdere tempo.

I bought the tickets online so as to not waste time.

Cerca di arrivare in tempo in modo da non trovare una coda troppo lunga.

Try to get here on time so as to not find such a long queue.

Leggi bene le istruzioni, in modo da non sbagliare.

Read the instructions well so as to not get it wrong.

Key Terms and Concepts

In modo da

An Italian conjunction used to express the aim or purpose of an action. Often followed by an infinitive verb. Similar to 'so as to' in English.

Infinitive Verb

The base form of a verb, used without any conjugation or tense markers. In Italian, it's often used after conjunctions like in modo da.

Same Subject Rule

When using in modo da, the subject performing the initial action must be the same as the one achieving the aim.

In modo che

An Italian expression used with the subjunctive mood when the subjects of the related actions differ. It translates to 'in order to' or 'so that' in English.

Test your knowledge in 10 quick questions

Words

modoway

infinitoinfinitive

verboverb

negazionenegation

soggettosubject

subordinatasubordinate

congiuntivosubjunctive

azioneaction

scopoaim

capireunderstand

Phrases

in modo daso as to

infinitivoinfinitive

negazionenegation

nonnot

soggettosubject

stessosame

differentedifferent

congiuntivosubjunctive

capireto understand

sbagliareto make a mistake

Sentences

Ho studiato tutta la notte in modo da superare l'esame.

I studied all night so as to pass the exam.

Ha chiuso la porta in modo da non essere disturbato.

He closed the door so as to not be disturbed.

Abbiamo organizzato l'incontro in modo che tutti potessero partecipare.

We organized the meeting so that everyone could participate.

Ha lavorato duramente in modo da migliorare le sue abilità.

She worked hard so as to improve her skills.

Hanno modificato il progetto in modo che fosse più efficiente.

They modified the project so that it would be more efficient.

Match the Phrases

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Answers

FAQs

How to use correctly "in modo da"?

in modo da + infinitive verb

Can you make the set phrase negative?

Yes! In this way: in modo da + non + infinitive verb

How can it be translated in English?

It can be translated as in order to, so that, as a means to, with the purpose of

Italian word of the day

piove

Piove! Esci senza ombrello?

It’s raining! Are you going out without an umbrella?

How to say “so as to”: Italian Grammar Lesson