Infinitives and Gerunds: Usage and Variety
In Portuguese, both infinitives and gerunds have various uses and can greatly expand your capacity for expression. Understanding when and how to use them will allow you to communicate more effectively and accurately in Portuguese. Let's dive in and explore the usage and variety of infinitives and gerunds.
Infinitives
Infinitives in Portuguese are the base form of a verb and are usually preceded by the preposition "a." They can be used in several different ways:
1. Infinitive as a Verb Form
The infinitive form is used to express actions or states:
Comer
é um prazer. (To eat is a pleasure.)- Eu quero
viajar
. (I want to travel.)
2. Infinitive as a Noun
The infinitive can also function as a noun:
Estudar
é importante. (Studying is important.)Trabalhar
é necessário. (Working is necessary.)
3. Infinitive as an Adjective
The infinitive form can be used as an adjective to describe a noun:
- Uma pessoa
simples
de entender. (A simple person to understand.) - Um livro
fácil
de ler. (An easy book to read.)
4. Infinitive as an Adverb
The infinitive can also function as an adverb, providing additional information about the verb:
- Ele saiu
correndo
. (He left running.) - Ela estudou
até tarde
. (She studied until late.)
Gerunds
Gerunds in Portuguese end in "-ndo" and are used to express ongoing or continuous actions. They can be used in different contexts:
1. Gerund as a Verb Form
The gerund is used to express actions that are happening at the same time as another action:
Estou estudando
para o exame. (I am studying for the exam.)Estava lendo
um livro quando o telefone tocou. (I was reading a book when the phone rang.)
2. Gerund as a Noun
The gerund can also function as a noun:
Ouvir música
é relaxante. (Listening to music is relaxing.)Ler
é algo que gosto de fazer. (Reading is something I enjoy doing.)
3. Gerund in Progressive Tenses
The gerund is used in progressive tenses to express ongoing actions:
- Ele está
trabalhando
agora. (He is working now.) - Estaremos
dormindo
quando você chegar. (We will be sleeping when you arrive.)
4. Gerund as an Adverb
The gerund can function as an adverb to provide additional information about the verb:
- Ele entrou
correndo
no escritório. (He entered the office running.) - Ela falou
sorrindo
. (She spoke while smiling.)
Summary
Infinitives and gerunds have various uses in Portuguese and can greatly enhance your ability to express yourself. Remember:
- Infinitives are used as verb forms, nouns, adjectives, and adverbs.
- Gerunds are used as verb forms, nouns, and adverbs, as well as in progressive tenses.
By mastering the usage and variety of infinitives and gerunds, you will be able to convey your thoughts and ideas more accurately and effectively in Portuguese. Keep practicing and incorporating them into your language skills to become a more proficient Portuguese speaker.
Note: In this guide, we have focused on the usage and variety of infinitives and gerunds in Portuguese.
Created: 12/30/2023 | Updated: 5/5/2025