B2 · Intermédiaire supérieur Chapitre 15

Setting Conditions and Time Limits

5 Règles totales
52 exemples
6 min
Règles dans ce chapitre Pratique rapide

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of setting conditions and time limits to sound like a native Portuguese speaker.

  • Connect sentences using advanced conjunctions like 'antes que' and 'caso'.
  • Apply the subjunctive mood to express conditions, limitations, and future possibilities.
  • Construct complex sentences that convey nuance and precision in professional or casual settings.
Command the conversation with precision and elegant conditions.

Ce que tu vas apprendre

Get ready to level up your Portuguese! This chapter isn't just about simple sentences; it's about adding precision and nuance to your conversations, making you sound much more like a native speaker. Imagine you're making plans with a friend and want to say, 'I can't come unless I have money' or 'We're going for a picnic, unless it rains.' Here, you'll master how to express these exact conditions and time limits using powerful conjunctions. You'll dive into phrases like 'antes que' (before), 'a não ser que' (unless), 'contanto que' (as long as), 'sem que' (without/unless), 'caso' (in case), and 'a menos que' (unless). These aren't just words; they're your secret weapons for expressing complex ideas. Crucially, you'll learn how these conjunctions act as triggers, always pulling the next verb into the subjunctive mood – a hallmark of advanced Portuguese. Discover how 'antes que' helps you set clear deadlines, especially when different subjects are involved, or how 'caso' allows you to articulate 'in case' scenarios with elegance. And with 'sem que', you'll effortlessly express actions that happen 'without' something else occurring. By the end of this chapter, you won't just be understood; you'll be able to communicate your plans, express nuanced proposals, and set conditions with the confidence and accuracy of a true B2 speaker. Your conversations will gain depth, impressing everyone with your mastery of Portuguese. Ready to fine-tune your expression?

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use subjunctive triggers to create conditional sentences in both Brazilian and European Portuguese.

Guide du chapitre

Overview

Welcome to an exciting chapter designed to significantly boost your Portuguese grammar B2 skills! As you progress in your language journey, moving beyond basic sentences becomes crucial. This guide is your key to unlocking more complex and nuanced expressions, helping you sound more natural and sophisticated.
We’re diving deep into how to set conditions and time limits in Portuguese, equipping you with the tools to express ideas like "I can't go unless I finish my work or Let's meet before it gets dark."
This chapter focuses on powerful conjunctions that act as triggers for the subjunctive mood, a hallmark of advanced Portuguese. You’ll master phrases such as antes que (before), a não ser que (unless), contanto que (as long as), sem que (without/unless), caso (in case), and a menos que (unless). Understanding these isn't just about memorizing words; it's about learning how to structure your thoughts to convey specific conditions, possibilities, and restrictions.
By the end, you'll be able to communicate your plans, express detailed proposals, and set conditions with the precision expected of a CEFR B2 speaker. Get ready to elevate your conversations and impress with your command of Portuguese!

How This Grammar Works

At the heart of this chapter is the subjunctive mood. The conjunctions we're exploring are classic subjunctive triggers, meaning the verb immediately following them must be in the subjunctive. This is essential for expressing hypothetical situations, desires, doubts, and conditions.
Let's break down these powerful connectors:
* Subjunctive Triggers: The 'A' List (Antes que, A não ser que, A menos que)
* Antes que (before): This conjunction is used to set a time limit or a deadline, particularly when the subject of the main clause is different from the subject of the subordinate clause.
* Vou sair antes que chova. (I will leave before it rains.)
* A não ser que and A menos que (unless): Both convey a negative condition, meaning if not or except if. They are largely interchangeable in most contexts.
* Não vou viajar a não ser que tenhas dinheiro. (I won't travel unless you have money.)
* Não vamos a menos que ele venha. (We're not going unless he comes.)
* Portuguese Conditionals: 'As long as' (contanto que)
* Contanto que (as long as / provided that): This phrase introduces a condition that must be met for something else to happen. It's perfect for expressing agreement or setting a prerequisite.
* Eu ajudo-te, contanto que me ajudes também. (I'll help you, as long as you help me too.)
* Using 'Sem que': Without/Unless with Subjunctive
* Sem que (without / unless): This conjunction often means without something happening or can sometimes be used similarly to unless in specific contexts, emphasizing the absence of a condition.
* Ele saiu sem que ninguém o visse. (He left without anyone seeing him.)
* Não posso terminar o projeto sem que me dês os dados. (I can't finish the project unless you give me the data.)
* Portuguese: How to say 'In case' (Caso + Subjunctive)
* Caso (in case): This is used to introduce a potential future event or situation, suggesting a precaution or a contingency plan.
* Leva um casaco caso faça frio. (Take a jacket in case it gets cold.)
Mastering these structures will significantly enhance your ability to express complex ideas and conditions in Portuguese grammar.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong:
    Vou sair antes que chove.
✓ Correct:
Vou sair antes que chova.
*Explanation:* The conjunction antes que always triggers the subjunctive mood in the following verb. Chove is indicative, while chova is subjunctive.
  1. 1✗ Wrong:
    Não te empresto dinheiro a menos que tu me devolves.
✓ Correct:
Não te empresto dinheiro a menos que tu me devolvas.
*Explanation:* Similar to antes que, a menos que (and a não ser que) require the subjunctive. Devolves is indicative, devolvas is subjunctive.
  1. 1✗ Wrong:
    Leva um guarda-chuva caso vai chover.
✓ Correct:
Leva um guarda-chuva caso chova.
*Explanation:* Caso always introduces a clause where the verb must be in the subjunctive mood. Vai chover (or chove) is indicative; chova is subjunctive.

Real Conversations

A

A

Vamos jantar fora hoje à noite, a não ser que estejamos muito cansados. (Let's eat out tonight, unless we're too tired.)
B

B

Boa ideia! Contanto que não seja demasiado caro, estou dentro. (Good idea! As long as it's not too expensive, I'm in.)
A

A

Devíamos reservar os bilhetes antes que esgotem. (We should book the tickets before they sell out.)
B

B

Sim, caso haja algum problema com a reserva, podemos ligar para lá. (Yes, in case there's any problem with the reservation, we can call them.)
A

A

Ele nunca faz nada sem que eu lhe peça. (He never does anything without me asking him.)
B

B

É verdade, a menos que seja algo que lhe interesse muito. (That's true, unless it's something that really interests him.)

Quick FAQ

Q

What's the main difference between a não ser que and a menos que?

A: In most contexts, a não ser que and a menos que are interchangeable, both meaning unless and requiring the subjunctive. There might be subtle regional preferences, but grammatically, they function the same.

Q

Does caso always require the subjunctive?

A: Yes, when caso means in case or if (introducing a hypothetical condition), the verb that follows it must always be in the subjunctive mood.

Q

Can I use antes que if the subject is the same in both clauses?

A: While possible, it's more common and often more natural to use antes de + infinitive when the subject is the same. For example,

Vou sair antes de chover
(I will leave before it rains) is less common than
Vou sair antes que chova
when the subject of chover is implicit (it). If the subjects are explicitly different, antes que + subjunctive is the only option.

Cultural Context

In Portuguese conversations, these conditional and time-limiting conjunctions are vital for expressing politeness, making plans, and conveying nuances. Native speakers use them constantly to soften requests, propose alternatives, or state clear boundaries without sounding abrupt. For instance, using contanto que allows for a polite way to set a condition for agreement, while caso is indispensable for preparing for contingencies, showing foresight and care.
Mastering these structures not only improves your Portuguese grammar but also enhances your ability to engage in more sophisticated and socially appropriate interactions.

Exemples clés (8)

1

Vou cancelar o Uber, a não ser que você esteja pronta.

Je vais annuler l'Uber, à moins que tu ne sois prête.

Déclencheurs du Subjonctif : La Liste 'A' (Antes que, A não ser que)
2

Posta a foto antes que a gente mude de ideia.

Poste la photo avant qu'on ne change d'avis.

Déclencheurs du Subjonctif : La Liste 'A' (Antes que, A não ser que)
3

Vou sair antes que a chuva comece.

Je vais sortir avant que la pluie ne commence.

Antes que : Le connecteur 'Contre la Montre' (Subjonctif)
4

Apaga a foto antes que tua mãe veja!

Efface la photo avant que ta mère ne la voie !

Antes que : Le connecteur 'Contre la Montre' (Subjonctif)
5

Ele entrou na sala sem que ninguém percebesse.

Il est entré dans la salle sans que personne ne s'en aperçoive.

Utiliser 'Sem que' : Sans que / À moins que avec le subjonctif
6

Não posto nada no Instagram sem que você aprove primeiro.

Je ne poste rien sur Instagram sans que tu n'approuves d'abord.

Utiliser 'Sem que' : Sans que / À moins que avec le subjonctif
7

Caso você `precise` de ajuda, me avise.

Au cas où tu aurais besoin d'aide, préviens-moi.

Portugais : Comment dire 'Au cas où' (Caso + Subjonctif)
8

Caso `chova`, o evento será cancelado.

Au cas où il pleuvrait, l'événement sera annulé.

Portugais : Comment dire 'Au cas où' (Caso + Subjonctif)

Conseils et astuces (4)

💡

Le signal 'Que'

Dès que tu vois 'que' après une conjonction, ton alarme subjonctif doit sonner. C'est presque automatique :
Espero que você goste.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Déclencheurs du Subjonctif : La Liste 'A' (Antes que, A não ser que)
🎯

L'astuce du 'SS'

Si ta phrase commence au passé, utilise le subjonctif avec les deux **SS** (Imparfait : fize**ss**e, fala**ss**e). C'est un repère visuel super simple ! Par exemple :
Eu saí antes que ela falasse.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Antes que : Le connecteur 'Contre la Montre' (Subjonctif)
💡

Le raccourci du même sujet

Si tu es le sujet des deux actions, utilise simplement 'sem' + Infinitif. C'est plus court et naturel. Garde 'sem que' pour quand tu parles de quelqu'un d'autre :
Saí sem falar com ninguém.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Utiliser 'Sem que' : Sans que / À moins que avec le subjonctif
🎯

L'alternative avec 'Se'

Si le subjonctif présent te semble complexe, tu peux souvent basculer sur 'Se' + futur du subjonctif, mais 'Caso' te donne un air beaucoup plus assuré : Se você quiser vs Caso você queira.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portugais : Comment dire 'Au cas où' (Caso + Subjonctif)

Vocabulaire clé (6)

antes que before a não ser que unless contanto que as long as sem que without caso in case a menos que unless

Real-World Preview

sun

Planning a Picnic

Review Summary

  • Conjunction + Subjunctive Verb
  • Antes que + Subjunctive
  • Sem que + Subjunctive
  • Caso + Subjunctive
  • A menos que + Subjunctive

Erreurs courantes

'Antes que' requires the subjunctive. 'Chega' is indicative.

Wrong: Eu vou antes que ele chega.
Correct: Eu vou antes que ele chegue.

After 'caso', always use the present subjunctive form 'precise'.

Wrong: Caso você precisa de ajuda, me avise.
Correct: Caso você precise de ajuda, me avise.

'A menos que' triggers the subjunctive 'venha'.

Wrong: Iremos a menos que ele vem.
Correct: Iremos a menos que ele venha.

Next Steps

You have done an amazing job today! Keep practicing these structures in your daily speaking.

Write 5 sentences about your future plans using the new conjunctions.

Continue to: Dreaming with the Imperfect Subjunctive

Pratique rapide (10)

Laquelle de ces phrases est grammaticalement correcte ?

Choisis la bonne option :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Não saia sem que eu fale com você.
L'impératif 'Não saia' déclenche le présent du subjonctif 'fale'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Utiliser 'Sem que' : Sans que / À moins que avec le subjonctif

Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans ce message WhatsApp.

Caso você tem tempo hoje, vamos ao cinema?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Caso você tenha tempo hoje, vamos ao cinema?
Le verbe 'ter' doit être au subjonctif présent 'tenha' après 'Caso'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portugais : Comment dire 'Au cas où' (Caso + Subjonctif)

Complète la phrase avec la forme correcte du verbe 'ver' (voir).

Ele saiu da festa sem que ninguém o ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: visse
Comme 'saiu' est au passé, on a besoin de l'imparfait du subjonctif 'visse'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Utiliser 'Sem que' : Sans que / À moins que avec le subjonctif

Complète avec la bonne forme du subjonctif.

Vou terminar o relatório antes que o chefe ___ (chegar).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: chegue
Comme le verbe principal est 'Vou terminar' (futur), on utilise le subjonctif présent 'chegue'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Antes que : Le connecteur 'Contre la Montre' (Subjonctif)

Trouve et corrige l'erreur dans la phrase.

Find and fix the mistake:

Eu compraria a camisa a menos que custa muito caro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eu compraria a camisa a menos que custasse muito caro.
Comme le verbe principal 'compraria' est au conditionnel, la proposition avec 'unless' nécessite l'imparfait du subjonctif 'custasse'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditions Négatives : À moins que (A menos que)

Complète avec la forme correcte du verbe.

Nós vamos à festa, a não ser que _____ (chover).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: chova
'A não ser que' déclenche toujours le subjonctif présent. 'Chova' est la forme correcte.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Déclencheurs du Subjonctif : La Liste 'A' (Antes que, A não ser que)

Quelle phrase implique que l'action est hypothétique ?

Choisis la traduction de : "Parle avant qu'il ne parte."

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Fala antes que ele saia.
'Antes que' exige le subjonctif 'saia'. La deuxième option utilise l'indicatif, ce qui est faux.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Déclencheurs du Subjonctif : La Liste 'A' (Antes que, A não ser que)

Remplis le vide avec la forme correcte du verbe.

Não vamos à praia a menos que ___ sol. (fazer)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: faça
Nous avons besoin du présent du subjonctif de 'fazer' à cause de 'a menos que'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Conditions Négatives : À moins que (A menos que)

Trouve et corrige l'erreur de conjugaison.

Find and fix the mistake:

Compre o ingresso antes que acaba.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Compre o ingresso antes que acabe.
'Acaba' est à l'indicatif. 'Antes que' exige le subjonctif 'acabe'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Antes que : Le connecteur 'Contre la Montre' (Subjonctif)

Quelle phrase est grammaticalement correcte ?

Choisis la bonne option :

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Caso você queira chocolate, eu compro.
'Caso' exige le subjonctif présent ('queira'). 'Se' exigerait le futur du subjonctif ('quiser').

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portugais : Comment dire 'Au cas où' (Caso + Subjonctif)

Score: /10

Questions fréquentes (6)

Absolument ! C'est super courant pour poser des conditions quand on fait des plans, par exemple :
Eu vou, a não ser que esteja cansado.
Non. Ces déclencheurs demandent généralement le subjonctif présent. Le futur du subjonctif est réservé à 'se' ou 'quando', comme dans Se você for.
Oui, 100% du temps. Comme l'événement après 'avant que' n'a pas encore eu lieu par rapport au verbe principal, il est toujours considéré comme hypothétique ou anticipé :
Antes que eu esqueça...
Non. Même si on parle du futur, antes que prend strictement le présent du subjonctif. Le futur du subjonctif est réservé aux clauses avec 'quand' (quando) ou 'si' (se) :
Antes que ele venha.
Oui, en portugais standard, 'sem que' est un déclencheur obligatoire du mode subjonctif. Utiliser l'indicatif est considéré comme une faute de grammaire :
sem que ele saiba
.
Utilise 'sem que' quand il y a un sujet et un verbe conjugué après, surtout si le sujet est différent de la phrase principale. Pour les phrases simples, 'sem' + infinitif suffit : sem falar.
Chapitre précédent
Triggers: Doubt and Impersonal Opinions
Chapitre suivant
Dreaming with the Imperfect Subjunctive
Retour à la feuille de route