2Module 7

Complex Sentences

Frases Complexas

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Key Concept

Moving from simple sentences to complex ones requires conjunctions (porque, mas, quando, se, embora) and the future subjunctive — a verb form that only exists in Portuguese.

Complex sentences link two clauses together using conjunctions. Coordinating conjunctions (e, mas, ou) join equal clauses. Subordinating conjunctions (porque, quando, se, embora, enquanto) introduce dependent clauses. The future subjunctive — formed from the preterite stem — is used after quando, se, assim que, enquanto, and logo que when referring to future events.

Key Phrase — Try saying it!

Quando chegares, telefona-me.

1Conjunctions (Conjunções)

Additione, também, além disso
estudo
Contrastmas, porém, contudo, no entanto
Alternativeou, ou...ou, nem...nem
ficas
Causeporque, como, visto que, já que
fui estava
Conditionse, caso, a não ser que, desde que
comigo.
Timequando, enquanto, logo que, assim que, antes que, depois que
chegares, telefona-me.
Concessionembora, apesar de, mesmo que, ainda que
chova,
Purposepara que, a fim de que, de modo que
Estudo possa melhor.
Consequencepor isso, portanto, logo, de modo que
Relativeque, quem, onde, cujo, o qual
Comparisoncomo, tal como, assim como
ensinei.

2Future Subjunctive (Futuro do Conjuntivo)

The future subjunctive is formed from the 3rd person plural preterite stem. It is used after quando, se, assim que, enquanto, logo que, and onde when referring to future events.

ser (to be)

if/when I am
if/when you are
Ele/Elaif/when he/she is
if/when we are
Eles/Elasif/when they are

ter (to have)

if/when I have
if/when you have
Ele/Elaif/when he/she has
if/when we have
Eles/Elasif/when they have

ir (to go)

if/when I go
if/when you go
Ele/Elaif/when he/she goes
if/when we go
Eles/Elasif/when they go

fazer (to do/make)

if/when I do
if/when you do
Ele/Elaif/when he/she does
if/when we do
Eles/Elasif/when they do

poder (to be able to)

if/when I can
if/when you can
Ele/Elaif/when he/she can
if/when we can
Eles/Elasif/when they can

querer (to want)

if/when I want
if/when you want
Ele/Elaif/when he/she wants
if/when we want
Eles/Elasif/when they want

3Conditional Sentences (Se + Futuro do Conjuntivo)

respondo e-mail.
Enquanto estiveres ajuda-me.
souber, aviso-te.
contigo.
visitamos castelo.

Examples

I like Portugal, but the weather is cold.
chover.
I'm not going out because it's raining.
entramos.
When the bus arrives, we'll get on.
compro
If I go to the supermarket, I'll buy bread.
Although I'm tired, I'll study.
Enquanto esperamos,
While we wait, let's have coffee.
The house where I live is small.
conheci
The man I met is a teacher.
Estudo
I study Portuguese and work in a restaurant.
comigo ficas
Either you come with me or you stay at home.
Nem nem
I speak neither German nor Chinese.
ajuda-me.
Since you're here, help me.
Caso venhas, avisa-me.
In case you don't come, let me know.
Estudo possa
I study so that I can live in Portugal.
portanto
The café is closed, so let's go to another one.
Apesar
Despite being expensive, I want to buy it.
cujo
The boy whose father is a doctor lives there.
contigo
I'll go with you provided we have time.
estava levei
As it was cold, I took a coat.
chegares, liga-me.
As soon as you arrive, call me.
Fiz tudo tal pediram.
I did everything just as they asked me.
saiu pudesse
He left before I could speak.
souberam, ficaram contentes.
After they found out, they were happy.
chova, evento continua.
Even if it rains, the event continues.
experiência,
Since you have experience, you'll manage.
participar, inscreva-se.
Whoever wants to participate, sign up.
Whenever I can, I go to the beach.
I don't know if he's coming or not.
compramos
As soon as we have money, we'll buy a car.
melhorarmos, praticamos
In order to improve, we practice every day.
Frases Complexas — Summary of Conjunctions & Clause TypesAddition (Adição)e, também, além dissoand, also, furthermoreContrast (Contraste)mas, porém, contudobut, however, neverthelessCause (Causa)porque, como, visto quebecause, as/since, given thatCondition (Condição)se, caso, desde queif, in case, provided thatTime (Tempo)quando, enquanto,antes que, depois quewhen, while, before, afterPurpose (Finalidade)para que, a fim de queso that, in order thatKey:Subordinating conjunctions (que, quando, se...) often triggersubjunctive mood.Conjunções subordinativas frequentemente exigem o modo conjuntivo.
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