Marika introduces us to an area where Italian and English have some important differences: reflexive and reciprocal verbs. For extra help, see: Reflections on the Reflexive and Ci Gets Around: Part 1

Can you answer the question, cosa stai facendo (What are you doing)? If not, take a look at this video where Marika explains the presente progressivo (present continuous tense).

The third person "impersonal" has mostly gone out of fashion in English, but in Italian it's used all the time. Although in English it's common to use "you" or the passive voice, we've used the impersonal "one" here, in order to understand better how it works.

Marika gives us an overview on how to use direct object pronouns, which take the place of direct objects when the object has already been referred to. Here's an example of this in English:
"Do you know the answer [direct object noun]?" "Yes I know it [direct object pronoun]."

Using the prepositions "to" and "at" in Italian can be tricky, because there's one Italian word for both: a. Marika gives us some tips.

Marika explains when to use the prepositions: in (to), da (from), di (of, from), and per (for, to, by). There's no need to learn them all at once!

Marika shows us the rules about using direct object pronouns. Don't be discouraged if you don't absorb it all at once. It takes plenty of practice, and plenty of trial and error. See first part: Marika spiega - Pronomi diretti

There are plenty of idiomatic expressions connected with certain verbs. Marika tells us about expressions with dire (to say).

The verb fare (to do, to make) is used in lots of expressions. Marika talks about some of the most common ones.

Marika has a nice group of Italian idiomatic expressions using the verb prendere (to take).

By popular request, Marika has a great lesson on dividing words into syllables.

Marika has more tips on how to divide syllables and some fun practice words, too.

Several Yabla users asked about elisions and contractions, and how, when, and where they're used. This is Marika's first of three videos on this essential topic.

Marika tells us more about the use of elisions in Italian.

In some cases using an elision is not grammatically correct. Marika explains some of these cases.