Italian Phrase
Aiuta a tenere le cose in ordine.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘It helps to keep things in order’ or ‘He/She helps keep things organized.’ It can refer to a tool, a habit, or a person that contributes to tidiness.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to describe a benefit of an object, a routine, or a person that contributes to organization—e.g., a planner, a storage system, or a helpful colleague.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Aiutaatenerelecoseinordine
Verb conjugation (aiutare)
‘Aiuta’ is the third‑person singular present indicative of ‘aiutare’, used here as an impersonal or third‑person subject (e.g., ‘it helps’ or ‘he/she helps’).
Preposition ‘a’ + infinitive
In Italian, many verbs of assistance (aiutare, servire, permettere) are followed by ‘a’ + infinitive to express ‘to help/allow someone to do something’.
Definite article ‘le’
‘Le’ is the feminine plural definite article, agreeing with ‘cose’ (things).
Prepositional phrase ‘in ordine’
‘In ordine’ literally means ‘in order’; it functions as an adverbial phrase describing the state of the things.
🗨In Conversation
Questo nuovo scaffale è davvero utile.
This new shelf is really useful.
Sì, aiuta a tenere le cose in ordine.
Yes, it helps keep things in order.
✕Common Mistakes
Aiuta tenere le cose in ordine.
Do not drop the preposition ‘a’; ‘aiuta tenere…’ is ungrammatical.
Aiuta a tenere la cosa in ordine.
‘Cosa’ is singular; the phrase refers to multiple items, so use the plural ‘cose’.
Aiuta a tenere le cose in ordini.
‘Ordini’ is a noun meaning ‘orders’; the correct adjective is ‘ordine’ (order).
↔Alternatives
Contribuisce a mantenere l'ordine.
It contributes to maintaining order.
Facilita l'organizzazione delle cose.
It makes organizing things easier.
Permette di tenere tutto in ordine.
It allows everything to stay in order.
Cultural Tip
In Italian workplaces and homes, tidiness is often linked to efficiency and respect. When praising a tool or a colleague for keeping things neat, Italians may use expressions like ‘fa la differenza’ (makes a difference) or ‘è un vero salvavita’ (a real lifesaver). Keep the tone friendly and avoid sounding overly critical of disorganization.