Italian Phrase
Ho una grave allergia alla frutta secca.
Meaning
The speaker is stating that they suffer from a serious (potentially life‑threatening) allergy to nuts. 'Grave' emphasizes the severity, indicating that even a small amount could trigger a strong reaction.
When to use
Use this sentence when you need to inform doctors, restaurant staff, friends, or anyone preparing food about your dietary restriction. It is especially useful in medical appointments, travel situations, or when ordering meals.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Hounagraveallergiaallafruttasecca
Avere for health conditions
Use the verb 'avere' (ho) to express having a condition, illness, or allergy.
Indefinite article agreement
The article 'una' agrees with the feminine noun 'allergia'.
Preposition contraction
'alla' is the contraction of 'a' + 'la', used before the feminine noun 'frutta'.
Adjective placement
Adjectives like 'grave' usually precede the noun they modify, especially when emphasizing severity.
🗨In Conversation
Hai qualche allergia?
Do you have any allergies?
Sì, ho una grave allergia alla frutta secca.
Yes, I have a severe allergy to nuts.
✕Common Mistakes
Ho una allergia alla frutta secca.
The article should be elided before a vowel: 'un'allergia' or keep 'una' but avoid the double vowel sound.
Ho una seria allergia alla frutta secca.
While 'grave' is correct, many learners mistakenly use 'seria' which is less common for medical severity.
Ho una grave allergia frutta secca.
Do not drop the preposition; 'alla' (a + la) is required before the feminine noun.
↔Alternatives
Sono allergico/a alla frutta secca.
I am allergic to nuts.
Soffro di una forte allergia alla frutta secca.
I suffer from a strong allergy to nuts.
Ho una seria intolleranza alla frutta secca.
I have a serious intolerance to nuts.
Cultural Tip
In many Italian regions, nuts are common in desserts, sauces, and even savory dishes (e.g., pesto with pine nuts). Always ask "Ci sono frutta secca nel piatto?" before eating. In Southern Italy, pistachios and almonds are especially popular, so be extra vigilant. When speaking to medical staff, using 'allergia grave' signals that you may need an epinephrine auto‑injector (EpiPen).