B1 Portuguese GrammarComplex Sentence Structure
Build sophisticated Portuguese sentences using advanced connectors like embora (although), apesar de (despite), assim que (as soon as), desde que (since/provided that), and others. Master combining clauses to express nuanced relationships between ideas.
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1Concessive Connectors (Although, Despite)
Concessive connectors introduce unexpected contrast: embora (although) requires subjunctive, apesar de (despite) takes infinitive or noun. They show the main clause is true despite the subordinate clause: Embora esteja cansado, vou trabalhar (Although I'm tired, I'll work).
Concessive Connectors
| Connector | Meaning | Construction |
|---|---|---|
| embora | although | + subjunctive |
| apesar de | despite | + infinitive/noun |
| mesmo que | even if | + subjunctive |
| ainda que | even though | + subjunctive |
Examples
Embora esteja a chover, vou sair.
Although it's raining, I'm going out.
embora + subjunctive (esteja)
Apesar de estar cansado, ele continuou.
Despite being tired, he continued.
apesar de + infinitive
Mesmo que não queiras, tens de ir.
Even if you don't want to, you have to go.
mesmo que + subjunctive
Apesar das dificuldades, conseguimos.
Despite the difficulties, we managed.
apesar de + noun
2Conditional Connectors
Beyond simple se (if), Portuguese has nuanced conditionals: desde que (provided that) with subjunctive, a menos que (unless), caso (in case) with subjunctive. These add specificity to conditional relationships.
Conditional Connectors
| Connector | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| desde que | provided that | desde que chegues a tempo |
| a menos que | unless | a menos que chova |
| caso | in case | caso precise de ajuda |
| contanto que | as long as | contanto que me ajudes |
Examples
Podes ir, desde que voltes cedo.
You can go, provided you come back early.
desde que + subjunctive
Não vou, a menos que me peçam.
I won't go unless they ask me.
a menos que + subjunctive
Caso precise, pode ligar-me.
In case you need to, you can call me.
caso + subjunctive
Fico contanto que ele fique também.
I'll stay as long as he stays too.
contanto que + subjunctive
3Temporal Connectors
Temporal connectors specify when: assim que (as soon as), logo que (as soon as), enquanto (while), até que (until). With future events, these take subjunctive. With past events, they take indicative: Assim que chegou, telefonou (As soon as he arrived, he called).
Time Connectors
| Connector | Meaning | Future (subj.) | Past (ind.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| assim que | as soon as | assim que chegue | assim que chegou |
| logo que | as soon as | logo que saiba | logo que soube |
| enquanto | while | enquanto estiver | enquanto estava |
| até que | until | até que venha | até que veio |
Examples
Assim que chegar, ligo-te.
As soon as I arrive, I'll call you.
Future: assim que + subjunctive
Enquanto esperávamos, conversámos.
While we were waiting, we chatted.
Past: enquanto + indicative
Espera até que eu volte.
Wait until I come back.
até que + subjunctive (future)
Logo que soube, veio ter comigo.
As soon as he found out, he came to see me.
Past: logo que + indicative
4Causal and Purpose Connectors
Express reasons and purposes precisely: visto que (since/given that) with indicative, para que (so that) with subjunctive, a fim de (in order to) with infinitive. These create logical flow: Para que entendas, vou explicar (So that you understand, I'll explain).
Causal and Purpose
| Connector | Meaning | Construction |
|---|---|---|
| visto que | since/given that | + indicative |
| dado que | given that | + indicative |
| para que | so that | + subjunctive |
| a fim de | in order to | + infinitive |
Examples
Visto que não há tempo, vamos começar.
Since there's no time, let's start.
visto que + indicative (fact)
Falo devagar para que entendas.
I speak slowly so that you understand.
para que + subjunctive (purpose)
Trabalho muito a fim de poupar dinheiro.
I work a lot in order to save money.
a fim de + infinitive
Dado que está doente, não pode vir.
Given that he's sick, he can't come.
dado que + indicative
Practice Exercises
5 exercises
'The feeling passed as soon as he opened the game': O sentimento passou ___ ele abriu o jogo.
'She tried everything, although some flavors surprised her': Provou tudo, ___ alguns sabores a tenham surpreendido.
'He asked the princess to lift him up so he could eat with her': Pediu que o levantasse ___ pudesse comer com ela.
'She felt guilty leaving on time while colleagues stayed late': Sentia-se culpada ___ os colegas ficavam até tarde.
'She would take a lunch break, even if it was just thirty minutes': Faria uma pausa, ___ fossem apenas trinta minutos.
See Real Examples in Stories
Now that you've practiced, see this grammar in context
“Mas o sentimento passou assim que ele abriu o jogo.”
“Maya acenou com a cabeça e provou tudo, embora alguns sabores a tenham surpreendido.”
“Ele pediu à princesa que o levantasse para que pudesse comer com ela.”
“Por vezes sentia-se culpada quando saía do escritório a horas enquanto os colegas ficavam até tarde.”
Practice with B1 Stories
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