Prepositions are commonly known as linking words. They connect nouns, verbs, and other vital words.

Table 9-1

Common Italian Prepositions

Pepositions in Italian don't always have a single equivalent to their English counterparts.

Articulated Prepositions

The prepositions a, da, di, in, and su can be combined with a definite article to form one word. These are called contractions or articulated prepositions.

Vado a+il negozio. = Vado al negozio. I am going to the store.

Sono i libri di+gli studenti. = Sono i libri degli studenti. They are the students' books.

Table 9-2

Prepositional Articles

The prepositions con, per, and tra do not form a contraction when they are followed by a definite article.