Question: By the end of the 13th century, with the independent-minded communes growing into full-fledged city-states, Italy was clearly not to be subjugated to the will of one ruler.
Italy was weak and susceptible to control from a ruler.

Answer: no

Question: I don't know, said Tuppence forlornly.
Tuppence said he didn't know if it was going to snow or not.

Answer: it is not possible to tell

Question: Many's the time Annie's said to me: 'Mark my words, Albert, I wouldn't wonder if the police was to come after her one of these days.'
Annie has never spoken to me.

Answer:
no