How do I know when to write 'e' and when to write 'è'?

The distincion between 'è' (with an accent) and 'e' (without an accent) resides in the fact that the former is a verb, while the latter is a conjunction. 

'è' is thew third person singular of the verb to be

Lui è uno studente. (He is a student)

'e' is a conjunction, as in it links the parts of a sentence together

Io studio e vivo a Durham. (I study and live in Durham)

Once you spot the difference between the two, it's easy to choose one or the other depending on the context of a sentence. Just look at the sentence that you need to write: if there is already a verb, the is likely to have a conjunction function.

Io mangio _ vado a casa

In this sentence there are already two verbs (mangio, first person singular of mangiare - to eat - ; vado, first person singual of andare - to go - 

You will therefore write: 'Io mangio e vado a casa' (I eat and then go home)

Similarly, if you can't spot a verb in the sentence but you can spot an adjective, you will use è in its verbal form.

Il mio cane _ carino.

There is no verb in this sentence. However there is a subject (Il mio cane - my dog) and an adjective (carino - cute). You will therefore write:

Il mio cane è carino.

Simona F. A Level French tutor, A Level Italian tutor, GCSE Spanish t...

2 years ago

Answered by Simona, who tutored A Level Italian with MyTutor



£20 /hr

Marco S.

Degree: French & Italian (Bachelors) - Bristol University

Subjects offered: Italian, French+ 1 more

English Literature

“2nd Year studying French and Italian at Bristol, looking to bring enthusiasm and energy to tutoring those needing help in GCSE and A-level along with English Lit GCSE. ”

MyTutor guarantee

£20 /hr

Megan W.

Degree: French and Italian (Bachelors) - Durham University

Subjects offered: Italian, History+ 2 more

English Literature

“Hi! I am a second year modern languages student at Durham University. My aim is to, quite simply, show you that learning another language can be fun!”

MyTutor guarantee

£20 /hr

Jennifer G.

Degree: Translation and Interpreting Studies (Masters) - Manchester University

Subjects offered: Italian, French


“About me: I am a Masters student studying Translation and Interpreting Studies and I love languages! I have completed an undergraduate degree in French and Italian and have also dabbled in a little bit of Spanish and Portuguese. Langu...”

MyTutor guarantee

About the author

Simona F.

Currently unavailable: for new students

Degree: International Studies (Masters) - Durham University

Subjects offered: Italian, Spanish+ 2 more

Government and Politics

“Friendly and experience tutor from Durham University, ready to help you improve your grades.”

MyTutor guarantee

You may also like...

Other A Level Italian questions

What is the difference between 'qualche' and 'alcuni'?


How can I elevate my language for both the oral and written exams?

How can I prepare for my Italian oral exam?

View A Level Italian tutors

