Avessi avuto i soldi, sarei andato in montagna.

Sentence Discussions Italian
#1
English Translation

I would have gone to the mountains had I had the money.

The “explanation” says that the sentence begins “Se avessi…”, but there is no “se” there in fact. Should there be? Or is the “se” optional?

#2

Yes, I too would have put “se”. Perhaps in speedy conversation it is dropped or passed over quickly as we do sometimes in English, tho’ I would still go with “se”. Much better rhythm too; -)

#3

Thanks, Floria. Sounds good!

#4

Se is indeed optional in that more formal construction, but you need to put the subject (if any) after the verb.

  • Fossi in te, accetterei l’offerta.
  • Fossi tu al mio posto, cosa faresti?
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