Literary Modal Clauses: Quasi come se, Come se non, Come a dire — Modal Clauses — Proposizioni Modali (B2)

Modal Clauses — Proposizioni Modali·Literary Modal Clauses: Quasi come se, Come se non, Come a dire

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Rule reminder

Advanced modal expressions: (1) 'Quasi come se' = almost as if (softens or intensifies the comparison); (2) 'Come se non' = as if not / as though... not (the subordinate clause is negated — describes ignoring or absence); (3) 'Come a dire' = that is to say / in other words (parenthetical clarification); (4) 'Come non mai' = as never before (superlative manner). These appear in essays, literary prose, and formal writing.

Literary Modal Clauses: Quasi come se, Come se non, Come a dire1 / 10

He walked past her as if she didn't exist. → Le passò accanto ___.