Conjunctions: Coordinate and Subordinate

In Portuguese, conjunctions play a crucial role in connecting ideas and forming cohesive sentences. There are two main types of conjunctions: coordinate and subordinate. Mastering the usage of both will enable you to express your thoughts more effectively.

Coordinate Conjunctions

Coordinate conjunctions are used to connect two or more elements of equal grammatical value, such as words, phrases, or clauses. They establish a relationship of coordination between these elements. Here are some commonly used coordinate conjunctions in Portuguese:

1. E - and

   • Exemplo: "Eu gosto de música e dança." (I like music and dance.)

2. Ou - or

   • Exemplo: "Você pode escolher entre o azul ou o verde." (You can choose between blue or green.)

3. Mas - but

   • Exemplo: "Ele estudou muito, mas não passou no exame." (He studied a lot, but didn't pass the exam.)

4. Porém - however

   • Exemplo: "O tempo estava chuvoso, porém nós fomos à praia." (The weather was rainy, however we went to the beach.)

5. Então - so/then

   • Exemplo: "Eu estava cansado, então fui dormir cedo." (I was tired, so/then I went to bed early.)

Subordinate Conjunctions

Subordinate conjunctions are used to introduce subordinate clauses, which are dependent on a main clause to convey the complete meaning. These conjunctions establish a relationship of subordination, where one clause relies on the other. Below are some commonly used subordinate conjunctions in Portuguese:

1. Que - that

   • Exemplo: "Eu sei que você está ocupado." (I know that you are busy.)

2. Se - if/whether

   • Exemplo: "Vamos ver se ele vai chegar a tempo." (Let's see if/whether he will arrive on time.)

3. Embora - although/even though

   • Exemplo: "Eu fui à festa embora estivesse cansado." (I went to the party although/even though I was tired.)

4. Enquanto - while

   • Exemplo: "Ela cantava enquanto lavava a louça." (She was singing while washing the dishes.)

5. Quando - when

   • Exemplo: "Eu sempre me sinto feliz quando estou com meus amigos." (I always feel happy when I am with my friends.)

It's important to note that the word order and verb conjugation may vary in subordinate clauses depending on the conjunction used.

Remember, practice is key when it comes to using conjunctions effectively. Take time to incorporate them into your conversations and written exercises to reinforce your understanding.