1. **Essere** vs. **Stare**

**Essere** is used for permanent states or characteristics, while **stare** is for temporary conditions.

• Incorrect: Sto felice. (I am happy.)
• Correct: Sono felice.

Tip: Use "essere" for emotions and permanent traits (e.g., sono stanco) and "stare" for ongoing actions or locations (e.g., sto a casa).

2. Wrong Prepositions

Prepositions are tricky in Italian, especially the difference between "in" and "a". "In" is used for countries and regions, while "a" is used for cities.

• Incorrect: Andiamo a Svizzera. (We are going to Switzerland.)
• Correct: Andiamo in Svizzera. (We are going to Switzerland.)
• Correct: Andiamo a Roma. (We are going to Rome.)

3. Misusing Reflexive Verbs

Reflexive verbs need to be paired with the right pronouns and definite articles, especially when referring to body parts.

• Incorrect: Mi lavo i denti con spazzolino. (I wash my teeth with a toothbrush.)
• Correct: Mi lavo i denti con lo spazzolino.

Tip: Always use definite articles with body parts (e.g., mi pettino i capelli).

4. Confusing "di" and "da"

**"Di"** is used for possession or origin in a general sense (where someone is from), while **"da"** is used for movement or origin of someone coming from a place.

• Incorrect: Vengo di Milano. (I come from Milan.)
• Correct: Vengo da Milano. (I come from Milan.)

Tip: Use "da" for movement (coming from) and "di" for general origin (e.g., sono di Roma).

5. Double Negation with "Non ... mai" (Never)

Italian requires both **"non"** and **"mai"** to express "never." English speakers sometimes omit one, which creates incorrect sentences.

• Incorrect: Vado mai al cinema. (I never go to the cinema.)
• Correct: Non vado mai al cinema. (I never go to the cinema.)

Tip: Always use "non" before the verb and "mai" after for proper negation.

6. Position of "Anche" (Also)

**"Anche"** (also) should be placed before the word or phrase it modifies. This is important for proper emphasis and clarity.

• Incorrect: Ho anche visto lui. (I also saw him.)
• Correct: Ho visto anche lui. (I saw him too.)

Tip: Place "anche" directly before the word it emphasizes (e.g., anche tu).

7. Using "Non" at the Start of a Negation

In Italian, **"non"** is placed **before the verb** in most negative sentences, even when paired with words like **"mai"** (never) or **"niente"** (nothing).

• Incorrect: Parlo italiano non. (I don’t speak Italian.)
• Correct: Non parlo italiano. (I don’t speak Italian.)

Tip: Always begin negative sentences with "non" before the verb (e.g., Non posso venire).

8. Omission of "di" in Impersonal Structures

In Italian, impersonal structures like **"è"** followed by adjectives (e.g., difficile, interessante, bello) and verbs (e.g., fare, continuare) do not use **"di"** before the infinitive verb.

• Incorrect: È difficile **di** continuare a migliorare. (It is difficult to continue improving.)
• Correct: È difficile continuare a migliorare.

Tip: Omit "di" when using impersonal structures with adjectives and verbs.