In October: "nel" vs "in"

Question

Which would be the better way to say "in October"? Here is what I am trying to say in English;
I did not know a word of Italian in October.

1) Non sapevo una parola di italiano nel mese di ottobre.
2) Non sapevo una parola di italiano in ottobre.

Are they both correct? If so, which is better; "nel o in"?

score 4 · Answer 1 · answered Feb 03 '16 at 21:40

4

In Italian, time determinations are often at the beginning of a sentence.

Hence, in my opinion, by far the most natural way of expressing your idea would be:

A ottobre non sapevo una parola di italiano.

answered Feb 03 '16 at 21:40

DaG

mrnld · Accepted Answer · 2016-02-03T21:48:17.350

2

I don't think the second one is wrong, but surely it is less used. The first one sounds better and is more usual.

An alternative would be:

Non sapevo una parola di italiano ad ottobre,

(where an euphonic d could be added, but see the comments below).

edited Feb 03 '16 at 21:48

answered Feb 03 '16 at 21:09

mrnld

Hmmm.... I'm going to have to look THAT up! ;-) – Msfolly Feb 03 '16 at 21:39
2

Are you sure about the euphonic d, mrnld? The most usual rule of the thumb is to use it only when two equal vowels meet: ed Enrico but e Andrea. – DaG Feb 03 '16 at 21:41
2

@DaG you're right: it is not necessary, but it's more like a personal choice. Also, there are several examples of its use. – mrnld Feb 03 '16 at 21:47

score 1 · Answer 3 · edited Feb 04 '16 at 05:59

1

The second one is wrong. I mean can, and is used, but is not correct.

In refers to something that is happening or it used to happen within that time period.

edited Feb 04 '16 at 05:59

mrnld

answered Feb 04 '16 at 01:33

Newbie

3 Answers3