Italian Phrase
Controlla gli interruttori.
Meaning
A direct command meaning ‘Check the switches.’ It can refer to electrical switches, settings on a device, or metaphorical switches such as options in a software interface.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want someone to verify that switches are in the correct position, for example before turning on a machine, during a safety check, or when troubleshooting a gadget.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Controllagliinterruttori
Imperative (tu)
Controlla is the second‑person singular imperative of controllare, used for giving a direct command.
Definite article gli
Gli is the plural masculine definite article used before nouns that start with a vowel or ‘z’.
Plural noun interruttori
Interruttori is the plural of interruttore (switch), a masculine noun ending in -ore.
🗨In Conversation
Controlla gli interruttori prima di accendere la macchina.
Check the switches before turning on the machine.
Va bene, li ho già controllati.
Alright, I’ve already checked them.
✕Common Mistakes
Controlla il interruttori.
‘Il’ is singular; the noun is plural, so the correct article is ‘gli’.
Controlli gli interruttori.
‘Controlli’ is the formal imperative; using it with a peer can sound overly formal.
Controlla gli interruttore.
Singular ‘interruttore’ changes the meaning to ‘the switch’ instead of ‘the switches’.
↔Alternatives
Verifica gli interruttori.
Verify the switches.
Controlla i pulsanti.
Check the buttons.
Assicurati che gli interruttori siano nella posizione giusta.
Make sure the switches are in the right position.
Cultural Tip
In Italian workplaces, especially in factories or labs, safety instructions often use the imperative form. However, when speaking to a superior you might soften it with ‘per favore’ or use the formal imperative ‘Controlli gli interruttori’. The article ‘gli’ is mandatory before a masculine plural noun that begins with a vowel, a point that trips many learners.