Meaning
Based on what seems to be true.
Cultural Background
Italians use this phrase to avoid 'taking a side' in gossip, which is a common social pastime. It allows you to share news without being the 'owner' of that news. In TV news (like TG5 or RAI), journalists use 'a quanto pare' to report unconfirmed details about breaking news stories to remain ethically safe. In some southern regions, you might hear 'pare' used alone more frequently, but 'a quanto pare' remains the standard for clear communication. Using this phrase in a meeting can be a polite way to point out a mistake without blaming a specific person.
Avoid the Subjunctive Trap
If you are struggling with the subjunctive mood, use 'a quanto pare' instead of 'pare che'. It allows you to use the normal indicative mood while saying the exact same thing!
Don't use 'da'
Remember it's always 'A quanto pare', never 'DA quanto pare'. This is a common mistake for English speakers.
Meaning
Based on what seems to be true.
Avoid the Subjunctive Trap
If you are struggling with the subjunctive mood, use 'a quanto pare' instead of 'pare che'. It allows you to use the normal indicative mood while saying the exact same thing!
Don't use 'da'
Remember it's always 'A quanto pare', never 'DA quanto pare'. This is a common mistake for English speakers.
The Gossip Starter
In Italy, starting a sentence with 'A quanto pare...' is a classic way to invite someone to share more gossip without sounding like a 'pettegolo' (gossip-monger) yourself.
Test Yourself
Fill in the blank with the correct phrase to say 'Apparently, it's late.'
__________, è tardi.
'A quanto pare' is the fixed correct form.
Which sentence is grammatically correct?
Choose the best option:
'A quanto pare' does not take 'che' and usually takes the indicative mood, not the subjunctive.
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'Dove sono tutti?' B: '__________ sono andati al mare.'
The context suggests a guess based on the fact that everyone is missing.
Match the phrase to the situation.
You see a 'Closed' sign on a shop door. What do you say?
You are reporting the visible evidence of the sign.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Practice Bank
4 exercises__________, è tardi.
'A quanto pare' is the fixed correct form.
Choose the best option:
'A quanto pare' does not take 'che' and usually takes the indicative mood, not the subjunctive.
A: 'Dove sono tutti?' B: '__________ sono andati al mare.'
The context suggests a guess based on the fact that everyone is missing.
You see a 'Closed' sign on a shop door. What do you say?
You are reporting the visible evidence of the sign.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsIt is neutral. You can use it with your boss or your best friend. It's very safe.
Yes! For example: 'Lui non viene, a quanto pare.' (He's not coming, apparently.)
'Apparentemente' is more formal and often suggests that the appearance might be false. 'A quanto pare' is more neutral.
Usually, yes, if it's at the beginning of a sentence: 'A quanto pare, è così.'
No, 'a quanto pare' implies a bit of uncertainty. For 'obviously', use 'ovviamente'.
Yes, it is standard Italian used from North to South.
No, the phrase is fixed. Always use 'pare'.
Just say 'A quanto pare.' It works as a stand-alone answer.
Yes, it's very common in journalism and emails.
Extremely. It's one of those phrases that makes you sound much more fluent.
Related Phrases
pare che
similarit seems that
apparentemente
synonymapparently
per quanto ne so
similaras far as I know
si dice che
specialized formit is said that
