scendano

Scendano is the third-person plural present subjunctive form of the Italian verb scendere. In Italian grammar, it belongs to the congiuntivo presente and is used in subordinate clauses introduced by che to express wishes, doubts, possibilities, or hypothetical actions concerning multiple subjects that descend.

Conjugation and formation: The subjunctive stem is scend- and the endings follow the standard present subjunctive pattern for -ere verbs: che io scenda, che tu scenda, che egli scenda, che noi scendiamo, che voi scendiate, che essi scendano. The form scendano corresponds to a subjunctive sense of “they descend.”

Usage: Scendano appears most often in formal writing, literature, or when a speaker wishes to maintain a elevated register. It is also used in historical or rhetorical contexts. In everyday speech, speakers frequently replace the subjunctive with indicative or employ other constructions, especially in regions where the congiuntivo presente is less common.

Examples: Spero che essi scendano dal treno senza correre. Non è certo che essi scendano in tempo, ma agiranno di conseguenza.

Relation to other forms: The present subjunctive contrasts with the indicative form essi scendono, which would be used in factual statements rather than subordinate clauses expressing doubt or desire. The full set of present subjunctive forms includes che noi scendiamo and che voi scendiate as the other plural forms.

See also: Conjugation of scendere; Congiuntivo presente; Italian grammar.