Thank you for your message! You're right that Fluenz emphasizes the use of articles following "con," as in "con il ghiaccio," which is standard and common in spoken Italian. The inclusion of the article often provides a more precise or formal tone.

However, it’s also true that in colloquial or informal Italian, especially in certain regions, people sometimes omit the article, saying "con ghiaccio" instead of "con il ghiaccio." This can be a matter of personal preference, regional variation, or style. Pimsleur might focus more on the informal, conversational aspects of the language, which could explain the omission of the article.

Both forms are technically correct, but using the article (as we do at Fluenz) is generally more aligned with standard Italian grammar and is useful in ensuring clarity.

Thank you for sharing the Reddit debate—language is always evolving, and it's fascinating to see different perspectives on these nuances!

Best regards,