Subjunctive Tense - Conjunctive Phrases

In Portuguese, the subjunctive tense is often used in conjunctive phrases to express conditions that may or may not occur. These phrases indicate a hypothetical situation or something doubtful, uncertain, or subjective. Here's how to use the subjunctive tense in conjunctive phrases effectively:

1. Understand the Trigger Verbs

Certain verbs and expressions trigger the use of the subjunctive tense in conjunctive phrases. Some common trigger verbs include:

• Querer que (to want that)
• Esperar que (to hope that)
• Pedir que (to ask that)
• Recomendar que (to recommend that)
• Sugeri que (to suggest that)
• Duvidar que (to doubt that)
• É importante que (it is important that)
• É necessário que (it is necessary that)
• É melhor que (it is better that)
• É possível que (it is possible that)

2. Understand the Sentence Structure

Conjunctive phrases are composed of two clauses: the main clause and the subordinate clause. The main clause states the action or condition that triggers the subjunctive, while the subordinate clause expresses the hypothetical or uncertain situation. The verb in the main clause is usually in the indicative mood, while the verb in the subordinate clause is in the subjunctive mood.

Example Sentence: Eu quero que você estude. (I want you to study.)

• Main Clause: Eu quero (I want)
• Subordinate Clause: que você estude (that you study)

3. Use the Subjunctive Verb Forms

To form the subjunctive in conjunctive phrases, use the appropriate verb form based on the subject of the sentence in the subordinate clause. The subjunctive forms in Portuguese vary depending on the verb tense and whether the verb is regular or irregular. Here are some examples using the present subjunctive:

• Regular Verbs

  • Eu: estude (study)
  • Você: estude (study)
  • Ele/Ela: estude (study)
  • Nós: estudemos (let's study)
  • Vocês: estudem (study)
  • Eles/Elas: estudem (study)

• Irregular Verbs

  • Ser (to be)
    • Eu: seja (be)
    • Você/Ele/Ela: seja (be)
    • Nós: sejamos (let's be)
    • Vocês/Eles/Elas: sejam (be)
  • Ter (to have)
    • Eu: tenha (have)
    • Você/Ele/Ela: tenha (have)
    • Nós: tenhamos (let's have)
    • Vocês/Eles/Elas: tenham (have)

4. Be Mindful of Verb Agreement

In conjunctive phrases, the verb in the main clause should be conjugated in a way that agrees with the subject of the sentence. If the subject in the main clause expresses desire, doubt, or importance, use the subjunctive in the subordinate clause.

Example Sentence: É importante que eles estudem. (It is important that they study.)

• Main Clause: É importante (It is important)
• Subordinate Clause: que eles estudem (that they study)

5. Pay Attention to Negation

When a conjunctive phrase is negated, both the main and the subordinate clause require the use of the subjunctive.

Example Sentence: Não quero que você saia. (I don't want you to leave.)

• Main Clause: Não quero (I don't want)
• Subordinate Clause: que você saia (that you leave)

6. Practice with Different Contexts

To become more proficient in using the subjunctive tense in conjunctive phrases, practice constructing sentences in different contexts. Consider different trigger verbs, subjects, and verb tenses. Take note of irregular verb forms to ensure accuracy.

7. Expand Your Vocabulary

Expand your vocabulary with more trigger verbs and common conjunctive phrases to improve your ability to use the subjunctive tense effectively. Practice using them in different sentence structures to reinforce your understanding.

Remember, mastering the subjunctive tense in conjunctive phrases requires practice and exposure to various contexts. The more you study and engage with the language, the more comfortable you'll become with this essential grammatical feature.