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.

Marika's first of three lessons on truncation, where she compares elision to truncation. There are many useful examples, such as: mar, san, buon, ben, and signor.

Marika outlines exceptions to the rules governing truncation, and provides many useful examples.

The final segment on truncation covers imperative mood verbs that take apostrophes, as well as expressions concerning maladies.

Marika's opening segment on accents and accentuation in Italian.

Marika covers the grave and acute accents, providing examples of words that have entirely different meanings because of their accentuation.

Marika's last segment on accents covers some fun homographs. She also provides advice on learning the correct pronunciation of words.

What in English is called a tongue-twister, in Italian is a scioglilingua, or tongue loosener. The Trentine one, with the alliterated Ts, is the most successful in English translation.

Marika, in her lesson on the verb mettere (to put, to set) includes some commonly used expressions.

Marika provides more useful expressions that employ the verb mettere [to put]. Mettere a posto [to put in order, to tidy up] is one that is used on a daily basis.

Marika relates some expressions using the verb chiudere [to close, to shut]. A number of these are very close to English expressions.

Marika focuses on the verbs cavare and togliere, both of which mean to remove. She also provides some expressions for both verbs.

Marika shows us her balcony, highlighting its utilitarian and pleasure sides. Washing machines are often placed on balconies. This is because Rome's climate is mild and there is little danger of frozen pipes.