Some verbs can be used both transitively

and intransitively depending on the

meaning conveyed and how they are used.

We already know that when verbs are used with a DIRECT OBJECT, they are conjugated with AVERE in

the passato prossimo.

When verbs DO NOT take a DIRECT OBJECT, they are conjugated with ESSERE in

the passato prossimo. Reflexive verbs always

use ESSERE.

Transitive

Lui ha cambiato atteggiamento.

He has changed his attitude.

Intransitive

I miei amici sono cambiati.

My friends have changed.

Transitive

Ho cominciato a giocare a tennis.

I started playing tennis.

Intransitive

Il film è cominciato.

The film started.

Transitive

Ho corso due chilometri.

I ran two kilometers.

Intransitive

Sono corsa a casa.

I ran home.

Transitive

Lui ha finito i compiti.

He finished his homework.

Intransitive

Il film è finito.

The movie has ended.

Transitive

Ho passato l’estate in campagna.

I spent the summer in the country.

Intransitive

Sono passata dalla nonna.

I stopped by my grandmother’s house.

Transitive

Hanno salito le scale in fretta.

They went up the stairs in a hurry.

Intransitive

Sono saliti in macchina.They got into the car.

Transitive

Ho sceso le scale.

I went down the stairs.

Intransitive

Sono scesa in strada.

I went down into the street.

DOVERE (to have to), POTERE (tobe able to), and VOLERE (to want)can be conjugated with eitheravere or essere when they are usewith an infinitive. They areconjugated with avere when theyare used with a transitiveinfinitive, and with essere whenused with an intransitive one.

Michele ha dovuto aiutare la mamma.

Michael had to help out his mom.

Michele è dovuto andare a scuola.

Michael had to go to school.

Noi abbiamo potuto finire i compiti.

We were able to finish the homework.

Noi siamo potuti uscire con gli amici.

We were able to go out with our friends.

Lisa ha voluto vedere il film.

Lisa wanted to see the movie.

Lisa è voluta rimanere in Italia.

Lisa wanted to stay in Italy.

When dovere, potere, and volere are used with reflexive

infinitives, they use avere if the reflexive pronoun is still

attached to the infinitive, and they use essere if it is placed in

front of the helping verb.

Si è potuta divertire.

She was able to have a good time.(“si” comes before helping verb = essere)

Ha potuto divertirsi.

She was able to have a good time.(“si” still attached to infinitive = avere)

Some verbs that describe weather conditions can be conjugated with

avere or essere.

Ieri ha piovuto molto.

(It rained a lot yesterday.)

Venerdì è nevicato molto.

(It snowed a lot on Friday.)