B2 · Upper Intermediate Chapter 14

Triggers: Doubt and Impersonal Opinions

3 Total Rules
30 examples
6 min
Rules in This Chapter Quick Practice

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Unlock the power of the subjunctive mood to express doubt, opinions, and hypothetical possibilities with complete confidence.

  • Master the use of impersonal expressions like 'é bom que' to trigger the subjunctive.
  • Identify 'magic' conjunctions that force the subjunctive mood.
  • Express wishes and future plans using 'poder' in the subjunctive.
Mastering the magic of the subjunctive mood.

What You'll Learn

Hey there, language learner! Ready to take a huge leap and sound like a truly natural Portuguese speaker? In this chapter, you're going to master the subjunctive mood! While it might sound intimidating, we'll discover how incredibly useful it is for sophisticated and precise conversations. First, we'll dive into expressing doubt and uncertainty with phrases like 'talvez' (maybe) and 'duvido que' (I doubt that). You'll learn how a small verb change opens up a world of natural expression. Then, we'll tackle impersonal opinions – like saying 'it's good that...' (é bom que) or 'it's necessary that...' (é preciso que) when referring to a specific person, ensuring your sentences are perfectly accurate with the subjunctive. Next, a super exciting part: certain 'magic words' like *para que* (in order that), *embora* (although), and *caso* (in case that) act as automatic switches. The moment you use them, the next verb absolutely needs to be in the subjunctive. They're like linguistic signposts: 'Subjunctive time!' Finally, we'll explore how 'poder' (to be able to) in the subjunctive can beautifully convey wishes, hypothetical situations, and future plans. Want to say 'I wish I could...' or 'If I can...', 'poder' in the subjunctive is your key. Imagine confidently telling a friend in Lisbon, 'Maybe the weather will be good tomorrow so we can go to the beach,' or 'It's good that you arrived early.' This chapter gives you the power to express these nuances with complete confidence, sounding just like a native speaker. By the end, you'll master expressing doubt and nuanced opinions, making your conversations flow more naturally and accurately. Let's go!

Learning Objectives

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

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Use impersonal expressions to convey opinions about others' actions.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Apply correct conjunctions to trigger the subjunctive in complex sentences.
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to: Formulate hypothetical wishes using 'poder' in the subjunctive.

Chapter Guide

Overview

Welcome, dedicated Portuguese grammar learner! As you advance to the B2 Portuguese level, you're ready to unlock one of the most expressive and elegant aspects of the language: the Portuguese subjunctive mood. While it often gets a bad rap for being "difficult," mastering the subjunctive is your golden ticket to sounding incredibly natural and precise. It's the secret sauce that distinguishes intermediate speakers from truly fluent ones, allowing you to convey nuances that direct, indicative statements simply can't.
In this comprehensive guide, we'll demystify the subjunctive by focusing on its practical applications in everyday conversations. We'll explore how to express doubt and uncertainty using common phrases like talvez (maybe) and duvido que (I doubt that), showing you how a simple verb form shift can dramatically alter the meaning and tone of your sentences. You'll also learn to articulate impersonal opinions – statements like é bom que (it's good that) or é preciso que (it's necessary that) – with perfect grammatical accuracy when referring to specific actions or people.
Get ready to discover powerful "magic words" – conjunctions like para que (in order that) and embora (although) – that automatically trigger the subjunctive, acting as clear linguistic signposts. Finally, we'll delve into the versatile verb poder (to be able to) in its subjunctive form, enabling you to express wishes, hypothetical situations, and future possibilities with grace. By the end of this chapter, you'll not only understand the Portuguese subjunctive mood but also confidently wield it, making your conversations flow more authentically and powerfully. This is a significant step in your journey to learn Portuguese like a native!

How This Grammar Works

The Portuguese subjunctive mood is primarily used to express uncertainty, subjectivity, wishes, emotions, and impersonal statements. It's not about facts, but about reactions, possibilities, and opinions. Let's break down its key applications for B2 Portuguese speakers.
First, Portuguese Subjunctive: Expressing Doubt & "Maybe" (Talvez, Duvido que). When you're not stating a fact but rather expressing doubt or possibility, the subjunctive is your go-to.
* Talvez ele venha amanhã. (Maybe he comes/will come tomorrow.) – Here, venha (from vir) is subjunctive, indicating uncertainty. If it were indicative (vem), it would sound like a statement of fact, not a possibility.
* Duvido que ela saiba a resposta. (I doubt that she knows the answer.) – Saiba (from saber) is subjunctive because duvido que introduces doubt.
Next, we use the Portuguese Subjunctive: Using Impersonal Expressions (é bom que, é preciso que). These expressions often convey opinions or necessities that apply to a general situation or a specific action, triggering the subjunctive in the following clause.
* É bom que estejas aqui. (It's good that you are here.) – Estejas (from estar) is subjunctive because é bom que expresses a subjective opinion.
* É preciso que todos ajudem. (It's necessary that everyone helps.) – Ajudem (from ajudar) is subjunctive because é preciso que indicates a necessity or requirement.
Then, we have The Subjunctive Trigger Words (Conjunctions). Certain conjunctions automatically demand the subjunctive in the following clause because they inherently introduce conditions, purpose, concession, or time that is not yet certain.
* Para que ele entenda, vou explicar de novo. (In order that he understands, I will explain again.) – Entenda (from entender) is subjunctive because para que expresses purpose.
* Embora chova, vamos sair. (Although it rains, we're going out.) – Chova (from chover) is subjunctive because embora expresses concession.
* Caso precises de ajuda, liga-me. (In case you need help, call me.) – Precises (from precisar) is subjunctive because caso expresses a condition.
Finally, Poder in the Subjunctive: Wishes, 'Ifs', and Future Plans. The verb poder (to be able to) takes on powerful new meanings in the subjunctive, expressing hypothetical ability, wishes, or polite requests.
* Eu queria que ele pudesse vir. (I wanted him that he could come / I wish he could come.) – Pudesse (imperfect subjunctive of poder) expresses a wish or hypothetical ability.
* Se eu puder, vou visitar-te. (If I can/am able to, I will visit you.) – Puder (future subjunctive of poder) expresses a future possibility or condition.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Talvez ele vai à festa."
✓ Correct: "Talvez ele vá à festa."
*Explanation:* After expressions of doubt like talvez (maybe), the verb in the following clause must be in the subjunctive mood, not the indicative. Vá is the present subjunctive of ir.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: "É importante que tu sabes a verdade."
✓ Correct: "É importante que tu saibas a verdade."
*Explanation:* Impersonal expressions such as é importante que (it's important that) trigger the subjunctive mood. Sabes is indicative, while saibas is the present subjunctive of saber.
  1. 1✗ Wrong: "Para que ele entende a lição, repete."
✓ Correct: "Para que ele entenda a lição, repete."
*Explanation:* Conjunctions like para que (in order that) are "trigger words" that always require the subjunctive mood in the clause they introduce. Entende is indicative, whereas entenda is the present subjunctive of entender.

Real Conversations

A

A

Talvez chova amanhã, mas espero que não. (Maybe it rains tomorrow, but I hope it doesn't.)
B

B

Pois é. É bom que tenhamos um plano B para o piquenique. (Exactly. It's good that we have a plan B for the picnic.)
A

A

Duvido que ele possa terminar o projeto sozinho. (I doubt that he can finish the project alone.)
B

B

É preciso que alguém o ajude, caso ele precise. (It's necessary that someone helps him, in case he needs it.)
A

A

Eu queria que pudéssemos viajar mais este ano. (I wanted that we could travel more this year / I wish we could travel more this year.)
B

B

Se pudermos poupar, talvez consigamos! (If we can save, maybe we'll manage!)

Quick FAQ

Q

Why is the Portuguese subjunctive often considered difficult for English speakers learning B2 Portuguese?

English doesn't have a distinct, widely used subjunctive mood in the same way Portuguese does. We often use modals (e.g., "might," "should") or simply the indicative. This lack of direct equivalence makes the concept and its consistent application challenging for English speakers.

Q

When do I *not* use the subjunctive after "que" in Portuguese grammar?

You generally don't use the subjunctive after que if the main clause expresses certainty, facts, or declarations, especially with verbs like achar que (to think that), saber que (to know that), ter a certeza que (to be certain that), when used affirmatively. For example: Eu sei que ele vem. (I know that he comes.)

Q

Are there different forms of the subjunctive? Which one is most important for B2 Portuguese?

Yes, there are several subjunctive tenses (present, imperfect, future, pluperfect). For B2 Portuguese, mastering the present subjunctive is absolutely crucial, as it's the most frequently used in expressing doubt, opinions, wishes, and after many trigger words. The imperfect and future subjunctive are also important but build on the present.

Cultural Context

In Portugal and Brazil, the correct use of the subjunctive is a hallmark of sophisticated and educated speech. While native speakers might occasionally use the indicative incorrectly in very informal contexts, consistently using it where the subjunctive is required can make a learner sound less fluent or even a bit blunt. The subjunctive allows for a more indirect, polite, and nuanced expression, which aligns well with cultural tendencies to avoid overly direct statements. Mastering these patterns for expressing doubt and impersonal opinions is key to truly integrating into the flow of native conversations.

Key Examples (6)

1

É preciso que você compre o ingresso logo.

It is necessary that you buy the ticket soon.

Portuguese Subjunctive: Using Impersonal Expressions (é bom que, é preciso que)
2

É uma pena que a gente não tenha mais tempo.

It's a pity that we don't have more time.

Portuguese Subjunctive: Using Impersonal Expressions (é bom que, é preciso que)
3

Enviei o email **para que** o chefe **veja** o relatório.

I sent the email so that the boss sees the report.

The Subjunctive Trigger Words (Conjunctions)
4

Vou à festa, **embora** **esteja** cansada.

I'm going to the party, although I am tired.

The Subjunctive Trigger Words (Conjunctions)
5

Espero que você possa vir à minha festa.

I hope you can come to my party.

Poder in the Subjunctive: Wishes, 'Ifs', and Future Plans
6

Se eu pudesse, eu viajaria o mundo inteiro.

If I could, I would travel the whole world.

Poder in the Subjunctive: Wishes, 'Ifs', and Future Plans

Tips & Tricks (3)

💡

The 'Que' Rule

Always look for the 'que'. If you don't see 'que', you probably don't need the subjunctive.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portuguese Subjunctive: Using Impersonal Expressions (é bom que, é preciso que)
💡

The Opposite Vowel Rule

For -ar verbs, use 'e'. For -er/-ir verbs, use 'a'. It's the easiest way to remember.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Subjunctive Trigger Words (Conjunctions)
💡

Focus on the stem

Always identify the stem (poss-, pudes-, puder) before adding the ending.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Poder in the Subjunctive: Wishes, 'Ifs', and Future Plans

Key Vocabulary (6)

talvez maybe duvido que I doubt that embora although para que in order that caso in case possa may/can (subjunctive)

Real-World Preview

plane

Planning a Trip

Review Summary

  • É + [adjective] + que + [subjunctive]
  • [conjunction] + [subjunctive]
  • [expression of hope/doubt] + que + possa(m)

Common Mistakes

After impersonal expressions, you must use the subjunctive mood (vá), not the indicative (vai).

Wrong: É bom que você vai.
Correct: É bom que você vá.

'Embora' is a trigger that requires the subjunctive 'esteja' instead of 'é'.

Wrong: Embora ele é cansado...
Correct: Embora ele esteja cansado...

Desires and wishes trigger the subjunctive, so 'posso' becomes 'possa'.

Wrong: Eu quero que eu posso ir.
Correct: Eu quero que eu possa ir.

Next Steps

You've just leveled up your Portuguese significantly! Keep practicing these structures in your daily writing, and they will become second nature before you know it.

Listen to a Portuguese podcast and note every time you hear a subjunctive verb.

Continue to: Setting Conditions and Time Limits

Quick Practice (9)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: É preciso que ele venha.
Correct irregular conjugation.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portuguese Subjunctive: Using Impersonal Expressions (é bom que, é preciso que)

Fill in the correct subjunctive form.

É bom que você (estudar) ____.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estude
Subjunctive form for -ar verb.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portuguese Subjunctive: Using Impersonal Expressions (é bom que, é preciso que)

Fill in the blank with the correct form.

Se eu ___ (poder), eu iria.

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

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Poder in the Subjunctive: Wishes, 'Ifs', and Future Plans

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

Espero que ele pode vir.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Espero que ele possa vir.
Wish requires present subjunctive.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Poder in the Subjunctive: Wishes, 'Ifs', and Future Plans

Correct the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

Antes que ele chega, saia.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Antes que triggers the subjunctive.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Subjunctive Trigger Words (Conjunctions)

Fill in the blank with the correct subjunctive form.

Estudo para que eu ___ (aprender).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Para que triggers the subjunctive.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Subjunctive Trigger Words (Conjunctions)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Embora triggers the subjunctive.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: The Subjunctive Trigger Words (Conjunctions)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Quando você puder, me avise.
Future time clause requires future subjunctive.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Poder in the Subjunctive: Wishes, 'Ifs', and Future Plans

Correct the error.

Find and fix the mistake:

É importante que nós fazemos o trabalho.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: façamos
Subjunctive form of 'fazer'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Portuguese Subjunctive: Using Impersonal Expressions (é bom que, é preciso que)

Score: /9

Common Questions (6)

The 'que' acts as a bridge. Without it, you are not connecting the impersonal expression to the action.
Only if there is no subject change, but even then, the subjunctive is preferred for impersonal expressions.
Because it expresses a purpose or goal, which is an intention rather than a fact.
No, 'embora' almost always requires the subjunctive.
Portuguese is unique in having a dedicated future subjunctive for future conditions.
In very informal speech, yes, but it is grammatically incorrect in standard Portuguese.
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Mastering Irregular Verbs in the Present
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Setting Conditions and Time Limits
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