Tutor profile: Claudia Maria d.

Why do sometimes Italians talk to each other in third person?

The third person is often used in Italian when speaking to someone formally. It is used when speaking to adults you don't know (well or at all), when speaking to eladerly people you are not related to, in formal job situations or institutions. Back in the days Italians used even a more formal way: the plural YOU. (it was used even to address your own father!) example: Mi scusi, potrebbe dirmi dove si trova il bar più' vicino? "Excuse me, could you tell me where to find the closest coffee shop?" (the literal translation would use "she" instead of you, but it doesn't translate in English)

Why are proteins important?

Proteins are the basis of all cellular activity. Without them, the cell would not be able to carry out reactions, grow, divide, communicate with other cells or extracellular environment, receive signals, or even exist! They come in lots of different shapes and dimensions, some are more structurally complex than others. The shape is always important for what function the protein has. They are part of an extremely fascinating and complex wold!

When do we use the Present Perfect vs Past Simple?

The Past Simple is used to indicate - past actions with no result in the present. Example: "I attended and graduated from College." - past actions with a time frame that is specified (yesterday, last year, On June 2nd 2013...). Example: "Yesterday I went grocery shopping at 3pm" - telling a story in the past. The Present Perfect is used to indicate: - actions that have started in the past and are still occurring. Example: "I have lost my keys, have you seen them?" (The keys were lost in the past but are still not found). - actions that happened in the past but have a ripercussion or connection in the present. Example: "I've cleaned the entire house!!" (= the action is finished but the result in the present is that the house is very clean now). - used with YET, JUST, STILL, ALREADY. Example: "Would you like to go out for lunch? No thank you, I've already eaten". - A finished action in someone's life or life experiences. Example: "I have been to Italy 2 times" In general, when we use the Present Perfect, we tend to focus on the present result of the action. When we use the Past Simple, we tend to focus on the past.