Even though most verbs will use either “essere” or “avere” in compound tenses, there are certain verbs that can use both depending on whether the verb has a transitive or intransitive function.

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Two Main Takeaways

  • In Italian compound tenses, we use “essere” when the verb is intransitive, and “avere” when the verb is transitive.
  • Verbs that use both “essere” and “avere” include: “correre”, “finire”, “passare”, “salire”, and “scendere”.

Three Action Steps

  • Listen to the Italian lesson with the player above, on Apple Podcasts, or on Spotify.
  • Download this episode’s printable guide. You can find it here.
  • Take the instant-score quiz below to test your understanding of the lesson.

Links Mentioned and Other Resources

  • CLICK HERE to listen to episode #95: The Gerund in Italian.
  • CLICK HERE to listen to episode #60: Opposite Italian Verbs.
  • CLICK HERE to get the Italian Verb Blueprint, a guide for conjugating all regular Italian verbs.

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