Word order is flexible in Italian, more flexible in many ways than in English. Changes in word order are not random but reflect differences in meaning or emphasis. These may at times be subtle, but are important to the message being communicated.

In general, Italian uses word order for stylistic effects, where English often relies on effects of the voice (in writing, these are shown by italics and other conventions). One important principle is that new or important information is normally placed at the end of the sentence in Italian, and other elements will be arranged accordingly.

Subject and verb

The subject usually comes before the verb:

Il mio computer ha un guasto.

My computer has a fault.

There is often nothing in front of the verb in Italian. With transitive verbs and other verbs that take avere, this is because the subject can be omitted if it is clear from the verb ending or the context:

Ho visto Luigi ieri. Sta meglio dell'ultima volta che l'ho visto.

I saw Luigi yesterday. He is better than the last time I saw him.

Subjects often come after the verb. This is common in the following cases:

(i) if the subject is emphasized:

Rispondo io!

I'll get it (i.e. the telephone)!