How to say “so as to”: Italian grammar lesson 224

Summary

Dive into the Italian phrase “in modo da” and master the art of expressing purpose with finesse! Learn how this handy expression can seamlessly convey intentions like “so as to” or “in order to” in the beautiful Italian language. 🇮🇹✨

  • Grasp the Basics: “In modo da” is your go-to Italian phrase for “so as to.” It’s a simple yet elegant way to explain why you’re doing something. 📘
  • Structure is Key: Stick to the formula: in modo da + infinitive verb. Remember, messing with this structure is a big no-no in Italian grammar! 🚫
  • Infinitive Insight: Infinitive verbs are the untouched gems of verbs, ending in –are, –ere, or –ire. They’re crucial for the “in modo da” construction. 💎
  • Going Negative: Want to express a negative purpose? Just sneak in a non between “in modo da” and your infinitive verb. Easy-peasy! 🚷
  • Subject Consistency: Keep it consistent! Use “in modo da” only if the subject remains the same throughout the sentence. No identity crises allowed here! 🙅‍♂️
  • Alternative Translations: Feeling fancy? “In modo da” can also be your “in order to,” “so that,” or “with the purpose of.” Variety is the spice of life, after all! 🌶️

My thoughts

What does in modo da means Italian?

Before we start, read the following sentences:

  • He sat at the front so as to be able to hear.
  • She will go to the cinema so as to watch the new movie.
  • He looked at job advertisements so as to find a new job.

In Italian, so as to can be translated as in modo daHere are some examples:

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

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

Let’s learn how to use it!

How to use in modo da?

Basically, we just use the following structure: in modo da + infinitive verb.

The infinitive is the base form of a verb, those words ending in –are, –ere, and –ire such as mangiare (to eat), cadere (to fall), dormire (to sleep).

In modo da is a set phrase, so you can’t split it.

If we want to make the sentence negative, we can use the following structure: in modo da + non + infinitive verb.

We can only use these two structures if the subject of the sentence is the same in both cases, as you can see in the sentence below:

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

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In modo da: 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.

We could also translate in modo da in the following ways:

  • In order to
  • So that
  • As a means to
  • With the purpose of

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
suonare
Example
Hanno aperto subito. È bastato suonare.
They opened right away. It was enough to ring the bell.
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