B2 · Upper Intermediate Chapter 17

Advanced Hypotheticals and Polite Requests

3 Total Rules
34 examples
7 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Master the art of 'what if' and elegant requests to sound like a native professional.

  • Construct complex hypothetical scenarios using the imperfect subjunctive.
  • Describe unrealistic behaviors using the 'como se' structure.
  • Softened direct commands into high-level polite requests.
Dream big and ask politely in perfect Portuguese.

What You'll Learn

Ready to take your Portuguese to an exciting new level? In this chapter, we're diving deep into B2 territory to help you express your dreams, wishes, and complex 'what if' scenarios with native-like precision. This isn't just about everyday chat; it's about mastering the nuances that make your Portuguese truly shine. We'll kick things off by exploring hypothetical 'if' clauses using 'Se... fosse/tivesse.' This magical structure allows you to talk about things that aren't currently real, like

If I were a bird...
or
If I had more time...
You'll then master the irregular imperfect subjunctive forms, especially 'tivesse' and 'fosse,' turning your 'if onlys' and 'I wish' statements into grammatically perfect Portuguese daydreams. Imagine casually telling a friend,
I wish you could have come yesterday!
and sounding perfectly natural. Next, we'll conquer 'como se,' meaning 'as if.' This lets you describe things that aren't actually true, like saying someone acts
as if they were the boss.
Crucially, this chapter will also equip you with the power to make incredibly polite requests. Instead of direct commands, you'll learn to soften your language using these hypothetical structures, making your suggestions respectful and easy to accept. Think
If it were possible that...
or
Would it be possible to...
By the end, you won't just know the grammar; you'll wield it to communicate with subtle elegance and confidence, expressing your deepest dreams and making requests like a true Portuguese speaker. Are you ready?

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to describe five hypothetical life changes using 'Se eu tivesse' and the conditional tense.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to critique behavior using 'como se' in a natural conversation.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to transform three direct orders into formal, polite requests suitable for an office environment.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Ready to take your Portuguese grammar to an exciting new level? This chapter is your gateway to mastering B2 Portuguese communication, allowing you to express complex ideas, dreams, and incredibly polite requests with native-like finesse. We're moving beyond basic conversation to equip you with the tools to navigate nuanced social interactions and articulate hypothetical scenarios that aren't currently real. Understanding these structures is crucial for anyone aiming for advanced fluency, as they are ubiquitous in both spoken and written Portuguese. You'll learn to confidently use the Imperfect Subjunctive in contexts like "If I were..." or "I wish I had...", transforming your language from functional to truly elegant.
This guide will focus on key structures such as Se... fosse/tivesse for hypothetical 'if' clauses, allowing you to build intricate 'what if' statements. We'll also delve into como se (as if), a powerful expression for describing untrue situations. Crucially, you'll discover how these advanced grammatical patterns are not just for expressing abstract ideas, but are also essential for making polite requests and suggestions, making your interactions smoother and more respectful. By the end of this chapter, you won't just understand the rules; you'll be able to wield them to communicate with subtle elegance and confidence, making your Portuguese truly shine.

How This Grammar Works

This chapter unlocks the power of the Imperfect Subjunctive to express advanced hypotheticals and polite requests. At its core, we're dealing with situations that are contrary to fact, unlikely, or simply wished for.
First, let's master Hypothetical Situations (Se... fosse/tivesse). This is the classic "If I were..." or "If I had..." structure. You use se (if) followed by the Imperfect Subjunctive (e.g., fosse, tivesse) to set up the condition, and then the Conditional tense in the main clause to state the consequence.
* Se eu fosse rico, compraria uma casa grande. (If I were rich, I would buy a big house.)
* Se ele tivesse tempo, visitaria o Brasil. (If he had time, he would visit Brazil.)
* Notice the Imperfect Subjunctive forms fosse (from *ser* - to be) and tivesse (from *ter* - to have) are key here. These are part of the Portuguese Irregular Imperfect Subjunctive: Dreams & 'What Ifs'. Most verbs form the Imperfect Subjunctive by taking the *eles/elas/vocês* form of the Pretérito Perfeito Simples (past simple), dropping the -ram, and adding -sse, -sses, -sse, -ssemos, -sseis, -ssem. However, *ser* and *ter* are irregular but follow this pattern:
* Ser: *eu fosse, tu fosses, ele/ela/você fosse, nós fôssemos, vós fôsseis, eles/elas/vocês fossem*
* Ter: *eu tivesse, tu tivesses, ele/ela/você tivesse, nós tivéssemos, vós tivésseis, eles/elas/vocês tivessem*
Next, we encounter Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game. This phrase means "as if" or "as though" and is always followed by the Imperfect Subjunctive (or sometimes the Plusquamperfect Subjunctive for past unreal situations). It describes something that appears to be true but isn't.
* Ele age como se fosse o chefe. (He acts as if he were the boss.)
* Ela fala como se soubesse tudo. (She talks as if she knew everything.)
Finally, these structures are invaluable for Polite Requests: Using the "If" Subjunctive (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo). By framing a request as a hypothetical, you soften it significantly, making it much more courteous.
* Se pudesses ajudar-me, ficaria muito grato. (If you could help me, I would be very grateful.)
* Seria possível que me enviasses o documento? (Would it be possible for you to send me the document?)
* This "If I Were" Formula using Se + Imperfect Subjunctive allows you to make suggestions or requests without sounding demanding.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Se eu era rico, comprava uma casa grande."
✓ Correct: "Se eu fosse rico, compraria uma casa grande."
*Explanation:* For hypothetical 'if' clauses, you must use the Imperfect Subjunctive (fosse) in the 'if' clause and the Conditional tense (compraria) in the main clause. Using the indicative past tenses (era, comprava) implies a past habit or a real past condition, not a hypothetical one.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Ele age como se ele é o chefe."
✓ Correct: "Ele age como se fosse o chefe."
*Explanation:* The phrase como se (as if) *always* requires the Imperfect Subjunctive (or Plusquamperfect Subjunctive for past actions) immediately after it. Using the present indicative (é) is incorrect here because the statement describes an unreal or hypothetical situation.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Se você pode me ajudar, eu agradeceria."
✓ Correct: "Se você pudesse me ajudar, eu agradeceria."
*Explanation:* Even for polite requests, the hypothetical structure demands the Imperfect Subjunctive (pudesse from *poder* - to be able to) in the 'if' clause, followed by the Conditional (agradeceria from *agradecer* - to thank) in the main clause. Using the present indicative (pode) makes it sound like a direct, less polite question about current ability.

Real Conversations

A

A

Se eu tivesse mais dinheiro, viajaria pelo mundo. (If I had more money, I would travel the world.)
B

B

Eu também! Se eu fosse tu, começaria a poupar agora. (Me too! If I were you, I would start saving now.)
A

A

Por que ele fala como se soubesse a resposta para tudo? (Why does he talk as if he knew the answer to everything?)
B

B

Não sei, mas às vezes age como se fosse o único inteligente na sala. (I don't know, but sometimes he acts as if he were the only intelligent one in the room.)
A

A

Seria possível que me emprestasses o teu carro amanhã? (Would it be possible for you to lend me your car tomorrow?)
B

B

Se não tivesse de trabalhar, emprestaria com certeza. (If I didn't have to work, I would lend it for sure.)

Quick FAQ

Q

When do I use 'se eu fosse' instead of 'se eu era' in Portuguese?

You use 'se eu fosse' for hypothetical or unreal conditions ("If I were..."), while 'se eu era' is used for real past conditions or habits ("If I used to be...").

Q

Can I use the future tense in a 'se' clause in Portuguese?

No, for hypothetical 'if' clauses, you never use the future tense directly after 'se'. You typically use the Imperfect Subjunctive (e.g., 'se eu fizesse') followed by the Conditional.

Q

What's the difference between 'como se' and 'parece que' in Portuguese?

'Como se' (as if) implies something is *not* true and requires the subjunctive. 'Parece que' (it seems that) implies something *might* be true and is followed by the indicative.

Q

How do I make a request sound super polite in Portuguese using these structures?

Frame your request as a hypothetical condition using 'Se pudesses...' (If you could...), 'Seria possível que...' (Would it be possible that...), or 'Gostaria que...' (I would like that...), always followed by the Imperfect Subjunctive.

Cultural Context

These advanced hypothetical structures are deeply embedded in the Portuguese language, reflecting a cultural tendency towards indirectness and politeness. Using the Imperfect Subjunctive for requests or suggestions, instead of direct commands, is a hallmark of respectful communication, especially in formal settings or when addressing someone you don't know well. In Brazil, these forms are very common, and mastering them demonstrates not just grammatical proficiency but also cultural sensitivity, allowing you to navigate social interactions with grace and elegance.

Key Examples (6)

1

Se eu ganhasse na loteria, eu viajaria pelo mundo todo.

If I won the lottery, I would travel all over the world.

Hypothetical If Clauses: Dreaming in Portuguese (Se eu fosse...)
2

Se eu fosse você, não postaria essa foto no Instagram.

If I were you, I wouldn't post that photo on Instagram.

Hypothetical If Clauses: Dreaming in Portuguese (Se eu fosse...)
3

Ele gasta dinheiro como se fosse milionário.

He spends money as if he were a millionaire.

Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game
4

Você me olha como se não me conhecesse.

You look at me as if you didn't know me.

Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game
5

Se você pudesse assinar este documento, eu agradeceria.

If you could sign this document, I would be grateful.

Polite Requests: Using the "If" Subjunctive (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo)
6

Se você tivesse um tempinho, ajudaria no meu projeto?

If you had a little time, would you help with my project?

Polite Requests: Using the "If" Subjunctive (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo)

Tips & Tricks (3)

💡

The 'Nós' Accent

Always remember the accent on the 'a' or 'e' in the 'nós' form (falássemos). It is mandatory!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Hypothetical If Clauses: Dreaming in Portuguese (Se eu fosse...)
💡

The -sse Rule

If you see 'como se', look for the -sse ending. It's the most reliable indicator.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game
💡

Use 'Gostaria' for professional settings

It sounds more refined than 'Queria'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Polite Requests: Using the "If" Subjunctive (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo)

Key Vocabulary (6)

gentileza kindness/courtesy hipótese hypothesis/scenario agir to act/behave disponibilidade availability realidade reality sonhar to dream

Real-World Preview

briefcase

The Job Interview

Review Summary

  • Se + [Imperfect Subjunctive], [Conditional]
  • [Verb] + como se + [Imperfect Subjunctive]
  • Se + [pudesse/fosse possível] + ...

Common Mistakes

Do not use the present indicative after 'Se' when the result is conditional. You must use the imperfect subjunctive.

Wrong: Se eu tenho tempo, eu viajaria.
Correct: Se eu tivesse tempo, eu viajaria. (If I had time, I would travel.)

'Como se' always implies a comparison to something that isn't necessarily true, requiring the subjunctive, never the indicative.

Wrong: Ele fala como se é rico.
Correct: Ele fala como se fosse rico. (He talks as if he were rich.)

To make it a polite 'request' structure, you must use the subjunctive 'pudesse' rather than the present 'pode'.

Wrong: Se você pode me ajudar?
Correct: Se você pudesse me ajudar... (If you could help me...)

Next Steps

You've just unlocked one of the most sophisticated layers of the Portuguese language. Using these structures shows you aren't just translating words—you're understanding the culture of politeness and imagination. Keep practicing!

Write 5 'Se eu fosse...' sentences about being a millionaire.

Roleplay a polite request with an AI tutor or friend.

Continue to: Planning for the Future and Past Regrets

Quick Practice (7)

Choose the correct form.

Queria que nós ___ (fazer) um bolo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fizéssemos
Correct conjugation for 'nós'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Polite Requests: Using the "If" Subjunctive (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo)

Fill in the blank.

Ele fala como se ___ (saber) tudo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive required.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game

Complete the sentence.

Eu gostaria que você ___ (vir) aqui.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: viesse
Subjunctive required after 'gostaria que'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Polite Requests: Using the "If" Subjunctive (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo)

Find the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Gostaria que você me ajuda.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ajuda
Should be 'ajudasse'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Polite Requests: Using the "If" Subjunctive (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo)

Conjugate the verb in the imperfect subjunctive.

Se eu (ter) ___ mais tempo, eu leria mais.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tivesse
Hypothetical condition requires imperfect subjunctive.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Hypothetical If Clauses: Dreaming in Portuguese (Se eu fosse...)

Fix the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Ela corre como se tem medo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subjunctive required.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subjunctive required.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game

Score: /7

Common Questions (5)

Yes, but you need the Pluperfect Subjunctive (tivesse + participle).
Yes, the main verb can be in the present, but the verb after 'como se' must be in the past subjunctive.
Yes, it is used exactly the same way in Portugal and Brazil.
It sounds more polite and less demanding.
Yes, it is standard in both.
Previous Chapter
Dreaming with the Imperfect Subjunctive
Next Chapter
Planning for the Future and Past Regrets
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