Italian Phrase
È più comodo che andare nei negozi.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘It is more convenient than going to the shops.’ It compares two ways of doing something, highlighting that the first option (the one implied before the sentence) saves time or effort compared with physically visiting stores.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to explain why you prefer online shopping, home delivery, or any alternative that spares you a trip to the stores. It’s common in everyday conversation about shopping habits, errands, or any activity where convenience matters.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Èpiùcomodocheandareneinegozi
Essere (è)
È is the third‑person singular present of essere, used here as a dummy subject meaning ‘it is’.
Comparative più… che
In Italian the comparative of superiority can be formed with più … che, especially when the second element is a clause or infinitive.
Adjective agreement
Comodo agrees with the implied subject (it). If the subject were feminine, you would say comoda.
Andare (infinitive)
The infinitive verb follows the comparative and expresses the action being compared.
Nei = in + i
‘Nei’ is the contraction of the preposition in + the plural masculine article i, meaning ‘in the’.
🗨In Conversation
Preferisco ordinare online, è più comodo che andare nei negozi.
I prefer ordering online; it’s more convenient than going to the shops.
Hai ragione, risparmi tempo e fatica.
You’re right, you save time and effort.
✕Common Mistakes
È più comodo di andare nei negozi.
Using ‘di’ after ‘più comodo’ is the standard comparative, but with an infinitive clause many learners mix the two forms. ‘È più comodo di andare nei negozi’ is acceptable, yet ‘che’ is more natural in spoken Italian when a clause follows.
È più comoda che andare nei negozi.
The adjective must agree with the implied subject (it). ‘Comoda’ would be wrong unless the subject is feminine (e.g., ‘La consegna è più comoda…’).
È più comodo che andare negozi.
Do not omit the article; ‘andare negozi’ is ungrammatical. The preposition ‘in’ contracts with the article to form ‘nei’.
↔Alternatives
È più pratico andare nei negozi.
It’s more practical to go to the shops.
È più facile fare acquisti online.
It’s easier to shop online.
È più veloce comprare da casa.
It’s faster to buy from home.
Cultural Tip
In Italy, many people still value the personal touch of the local negozio (small shop) for fresh produce or specialty items, but the rise of e‑commerce has made the ‘more convenient’ argument very common. Remember that ‘negozi’ can refer to anything from a boutique to a supermarket, so the nuance changes with context. Also, while più … che is correct, many speakers prefer the simpler più … di construction (e.g., “È più comodo di andare nei negozi”).