Learning a new language involves diving into its grammar, and one of the important aspects of Portuguese grammar is understanding subordinating conjunctions. These tiny, yet powerful words can significantly change the meaning of a sentence by linking two clauses and indicating various relationships between them, such as cause, time, condition, contrast, and purpose. In this article, we will explore the world of subordinating conjunctions in Portuguese, providing you with a comprehensive guide to help you master their usage.
What are Subordinating Conjunctions?
Subordinating conjunctions, or conjunções subordinativas in Portuguese, are words that connect a dependent clause to an independent clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone as a sentence; it needs the independent clause to form a complete thought. In English, examples of subordinating conjunctions include “because,” “when,” “if,” and “although.” Similarly, Portuguese has its own set of subordinating conjunctions that perform the same function.
Types of Subordinating Conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions can be categorized based on the type of relationship they express between the clauses. Here are the main categories:
1. Causal Conjunctions
Causal conjunctions indicate the reason or cause for something. In Portuguese, common causal conjunctions include:
– **Porque** (because)
– Example: Estudo português porque quero viajar ao Brasil. (I study Portuguese because I want to travel to Brazil.)
– **Pois** (because, since)
– Example: Não fui à festa pois estava doente. (I didn’t go to the party because I was sick.)
– **Como** (since, as)
– Example: Como estava chovendo, decidimos ficar em casa. (Since it was raining, we decided to stay home.)
2. Temporal Conjunctions
Temporal conjunctions indicate the timing of an action. In Portuguese, some of these conjunctions are:
– **Quando** (when)
– Example: Vou sair quando terminar o trabalho. (I’ll leave when I finish the work.)
– **Enquanto** (while)
– Example: Ele lê enquanto ouve música. (He reads while listening to music.)
– **Assim que** (as soon as)
– Example: Vou ligar para você assim que chegar em casa. (I’ll call you as soon as I get home.)
3. Conditional Conjunctions
Conditional conjunctions express conditions. Here are some common ones in Portuguese:
– **Se** (if)
– Example: Vou à festa se você for também. (I’ll go to the party if you go too.)
– **Caso** (in case, if)
– Example: Leve um casaco, caso esfrie. (Take a coat in case it gets cold.)
– **Contanto que** (provided that, as long as)
– Example: Você pode sair contanto que termine os deveres. (You can go out as long as you finish your homework.)
4. Concessive Conjunctions
Concessive conjunctions show contrast or concession. In Portuguese, these include:
– **Embora** (although, even though)
– Example: Embora esteja cansado, vou trabalhar. (Although I’m tired, I’ll work.)
– **Mesmo que** (even if)
– Example: Vou à praia mesmo que chova. (I’ll go to the beach even if it rains.)
– **Ainda que** (even though)
– Example: Sairei ainda que esteja tarde. (I’ll leave even though it’s late.)
5. Final Conjunctions
Final conjunctions express purpose or intention. Some examples are:
– **Para que** (so that, in order to)
– Example: Estudo muito para que possa passar no exame. (I study a lot so that I can pass the exam.)
– **A fim de que** (in order to)
– Example: Vou cedo a fim de que possa pegar um bom lugar. (I’ll go early in order to get a good spot.)
– **De modo que** (so that, in such a way that)
– Example: Ele explicou tudo de modo que todos entendessem. (He explained everything so that everyone could understand.)
Using Subordinating Conjunctions in Sentences
To effectively use subordinating conjunctions in Portuguese, it’s essential to understand their placement within a sentence. Typically, the subordinating conjunction will precede the dependent clause. Here are some examples to illustrate this:
1. **Porque** (because):
– Ela está feliz porque passou no exame.
– (She is happy because she passed the exam.)
2. **Quando** (when):
– Vou viajar quando tiver férias.
– (I will travel when I have vacation.)
3. **Se** (if):
– Se chover, ficaremos em casa.
– (If it rains, we will stay home.)
4. **Embora** (although):
– Embora estivesse chovendo, saímos para caminhar.
– (Although it was raining, we went out for a walk.)
5. **Para que** (so that):
– Estudei muito para que pudesse entender a matéria.
– (I studied a lot so that I could understand the subject.)
Common Mistakes and Tips
When learning to use subordinating conjunctions, it’s common to make a few mistakes. Here are some tips and common errors to watch out for:
1. Misplacing Conjunctions
One common mistake is placing the subordinating conjunction incorrectly within the sentence. Remember that the conjunction should come before the dependent clause. For example:
– Incorrect: *Porque* ela passou no exame, ela está feliz.
– Correct: Ela está feliz porque passou no exame.
2. Using the Wrong Conjunction
Another mistake is using the wrong conjunction for the intended meaning. For instance, don’t confuse causal conjunctions with conditional ones.
– Incorrect: Ele lê se ouve música. (He reads if he listens to music.)
– Correct: Ele lê enquanto ouve música. (He reads while listening to music.)
3. Neglecting Verb Conjugation
In Portuguese, the verb form in the dependent clause can change based on the conjunction. For example, after “para que,” you often use the subjunctive mood.
– Example: Estudo muito para que eu *passe* no exame. (I study a lot so that I *pass* the exam.)
4. Overusing the Same Conjunction
Variety is essential in language. Avoid using the same conjunction repeatedly. Instead, try to incorporate different conjunctions to make your speech or writing more interesting.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding of subordinating conjunctions, try these practice exercises. Translate the following sentences into Portuguese using the appropriate subordinating conjunctions:
1. I will go to the park if it doesn’t rain.
2. She is sad because she lost her book.
3. We will wait here until you arrive.
4. Although it was late, they continued working.
5. He studied hard so that he could get a scholarship.
Now, let’s provide the correct translations:
1. Vou ao parque se não chover.
2. Ela está triste porque perdeu o livro.
3. Vamos esperar aqui até que você chegue.
4. Embora fosse tarde, eles continuaram trabalhando.
5. Ele estudou muito para que pudesse conseguir uma bolsa.
Conclusion
Subordinating conjunctions are a crucial part of Portuguese grammar, helping to create complex and meaningful sentences by linking clauses. By understanding and practicing the use of causal, temporal, conditional, concessive, and final conjunctions, you can enhance your fluency and express a wider range of ideas in Portuguese. Remember to pay attention to the placement of conjunctions, choose the correct one for the intended meaning, and vary your usage to keep your language dynamic and engaging. With consistent practice, you’ll find yourself using these conjunctions naturally and effectively in your conversations and writing.
