Italian conjunctions can be grouped depending on their form and function.
Form
From the point of view of their form, Italian conjunctions can be divided into three groups:
Simple conjunctions
e (and) Anna e Luca sono amici. Anna and Luca are friends.o (or) Esci o rimani a casa? Are you going out or are you staying home?ma (but) Fa freddo, ma c’è il sole. It’s cold, but it is sunny.
Compound conjunctions
Single word conjunctions that are created by combining multiple words together.per + che -> perché (because) Vado a letto perché sono stanca.(for) + (that) I’m going to bed because I am tired.o + pure -> oppure (or) Fai i compiti oppure non esci!(or) + (also; even) Do your homework or you won’t go out!né + anche -> neanche (not even) Non lo vedo e neanche lo chiamerò.(not) + (also; even) I won’t see him or even call him.
Conjunctive locutions
A group of words that serves a conjunctive role.anche se (even if) Vado a correre anche se piove. I’m going running even if it’s rainingvisto che (since) Potresti aiutarlo, visto che siete amici. You could help him, since you are friends.a patto che (as long as) Ti ascolto, a patto che tu dica la verità. I’ll listen to you, as long as you tell the truth.
Function
From the perspective of their function in a sentence, Italian conjunctions can be classified as follows:
1) Coordinating conjunctions
They link words, clauses or sentences that have the same grammatical value. Among others, this group includes:
Copulative conjunctions: They simply add one element to another in a positive or negative sense.
Mi piacciono la pasta e la pizza. I like pasta and pizza. Lui non sa cantare né ballare.He cannot sing or dance.
Adversative conjunctions: They express a relationship of contrast.
Vorrei uscire, ma fa freddo. I would like to go out, but it’s cold.Le scarpe sono belle, però troppo care. The shoes are beautiful, but too expensive.
Explanatory conjunctions: They introduce an explanation, a clarification regarding a previous clause.
Mio padre è medico, cioè cura le persone. My father is a doctor, that is to say, he treats people.Partiamo fra due giorni, vale a dire sabato.We’re leaving in two days, that is to say, on Saturday.
2) Subordinating conjunctions
They introduce a subordinate clause. Therefore, a clause that is dependent on another one. The list of the types of Italian subordinating conjunctions is quite copious, among them:
Causal conjunctions: They explain why an action occurs.
Vado a casa perché sono stanco. I’m going home because I’m tired.Dato che è presto, prendiamo un caffè. Since it is early, let’s have a coffee.
Conditional conjunctions: They express a conditional relationship between clauses.
Se piove, prendi l’ombrello. If it’s raining, take the umbrella.Qualora chiamasse, dille che torno domani. Should she call, tell her I’m back tomorrow.
Time conjunctions: They link a fact to a point in time.
Non c’era nessuno quando siamo arrivati.No one was there when we arrived.Appena finisco l’esame, chiamo i miei genitori. As soon as I finish the exam, I’ll call my parents.
