B2 Subjunctive 13 min read Medium

Portuguese Final Clauses: Expressing Purpose with Subjunctive (para que)

Use para que followed by the Subjunctive to express intention when the subject of your action changes.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'para que' followed by the subjunctive to express the purpose or goal of an action.

  • Use 'para que' + subjunctive when the subject of the main clause and the purpose clause are different.
  • Use 'para' + infinitive when the subject of both clauses is the same.
  • The subjunctive tense must match the tense of the main verb (present subjunctive for present/future, imperfect subjunctive for past).
Main Clause + para que + Subjunctive Verb

Overview

Final clauses in Portuguese serve the crucial function of expressing the purpose or goal behind an action. These constructions articulate the "why" – not the cause, but the desired outcome or intention. At CEFR B2 level, mastering these clauses moves you beyond simply stating facts to conveying nuanced motivations, which is fundamental for complex communication in any language.

The core linguistic principle at play here is the relationship between certainty and mood. When you express a purpose, you are articulating something that you intend or wish to happen, rather than something that has already happened or is a definite fact. This inherent uncertainty or non-factuality in the desired outcome is precisely why Portuguese, like other Romance languages, employs the Subjunctive mood for final clauses.

Consider the difference between a statement of fact and a statement of intent. Ele estuda porque quer passar (He studies because he wants to pass) states a reason (cause) that is factual. Conversely, Ele estuda para que passe (He studies so that he passes) expresses a purpose (goal) that is desired, not yet guaranteed.

This distinction is paramount and underpins the entire grammatical structure of final clauses.

How This Grammar Works

Portuguese final clauses are typically introduced by specific conjunctions that link a main clause (the action) to a subordinate clause (the purpose). The most common and versatile of these is para que. The fundamental rule governing their usage hinges on whether the subject of the main verb is the same as or different from the subject of the verb in the purpose clause.
1. Same Subject: Para + Infinitive
When the subject performing the action in the main clause is the same as the subject who will achieve the purpose, the Subjunctive mood is not used. Instead, Portuguese uses the preposition para directly followed by the infinitive form of the verb. This construction implies a direct, self-directed purpose, eliminating the need for the uncertainty conveyed by the Subjunctive.
  • Eu estudo para aprender. (I study to learn.) – The subject Eu (I) performs both the studying and the learning.
  • Ela corre para emagrecer. (She runs to lose weight.) – Ela (She) is both running and losing weight.
  • Nós saímos cedo para evitar o trânsito. (We left early to avoid traffic.) – Nós (We) are both leaving and avoiding.
2. Different Subject: Para que + Subjunctive
This is where the Subjunctive becomes indispensable. When the subject of the main clause is different from the subject of the purpose clause, para que is used, and the verb in the purpose clause must be in the Subjunctive mood. This structure signals that the action performed by the first subject is intended to influence or enable an action by a different subject.
  • Eu estudo para que você aprenda. (I study so that you learn.) – Eu (I) studies, but você (you) learns. The purpose is for a different subject.
  • Ela corre para que o cachorro se exercite. (She runs so that the dog exercises.) – Ela (She) runs, o cachorro (the dog) exercises.
  • Nós saímos cedo para que eles cheguem a tempo. (We left early so that they arrive on time.) – Nós (We) leave, eles (they) arrive.
The que in para que acts as a crucial subjunctive trigger, explicitly marking the following clause as subordinate and requiring the Subjunctive mood. This ensures clarity in expressing that the purpose is a desired, non-factual outcome for another entity.
Other final conjunctions exist, such as a fim de que, com o fim de que, de modo que (when it means 'in order that'), para (archaic, but sometimes seen in poetry or very formal texts with subjunctive, often implied que). However, para que remains the most common and versatile choice across all registers.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming Portuguese final clauses correctly requires careful attention to tense harmony between the main verb and the subjunctive verb in the subordinate clause. The choice of subjunctive tense is not arbitrary; it directly depends on the tense of the main verb, ensuring logical coherence in the expression of purpose.
2
General Principle of Tense Harmony:
3
If the main verb expresses an action in the present or future, or is an imperative command, the purpose clause will use the Present Subjunctive.
4
If the main verb expresses an action in the past (Pretérito Perfeito Simples, Pretérito Imperfeito, Pretérito Mais-que-Perfeito), the purpose clause will use the Imperfect Subjunctive.
5
This pattern reflects the idea that a present or future action targets a present or future desired outcome, while a past action targeted a past desired outcome. You cannot aim a past action at a future purpose, nor a present action at a past purpose, according to this logical flow.
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Here’s a detailed breakdown and table:
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| Main Verb Tense/Mood | Conjunction | Subjunctive Tense | Example (pt) | Translation (en) |
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| :------------------- | :------------- | :------------------- | :------------------------------------------- | :------------------------------------------------------ |
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| Present Indicative | para que | Present Subjunctive | Falo alto para que você ouça. | I speak loud so that you hear (my intention). |
10
| Future Indicative | para que | Present Subjunctive | Ligaremos para que eles saibam a notícia. | We will call so that they know the news. |
11
| Imperative (Command) | para que | Present Subjunctive | Estude para que você passe no exame. | Study so that you pass the exam. |
12
| Present Perfect | para que | Present Subjunctive | Tem trabalhado para que a família prospere. | He has worked so that his family prospers.
13
| Pretérito Perfeito | para que | Imperfect Subjunctive | Falei alto para que você ouvisse. | I spoke loud so that you would hear (my intention then). |
14
| Pretérito Imperfeito | para que | Imperfect Subjunctive | Ele trabalhava para que os filhos tivessem tudo. | He used to work so that his children would have everything. |
15
| Pretérito Mais-que-Perfeito | para que | Imperfect Subjunctive | Eles haviam planejado para que ninguém descobrisse. | They had planned so that no one would discover it. |
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Conjunction Spotlight:
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Para que: The most common and versatile. Suitable for nearly all contexts, from casual to moderately formal. Example: Mando mensagem para que você não se esqueça. (I send a message so that you don't forget.)
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A fim de que: More formal and often used in written contexts, official communications, or when a higher degree of solemnity is desired. While interchangeable in meaning with para que, its usage signals a more deliberate or significant purpose. Example: A diretoria reuniu-se a fim de que as decisões fossem tomadas em consenso. (The board met so that decisions would be made by consensus.)
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Subjunctive Form Refresher (Brief):
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If you need a quick reminder, the Present Subjunctive is generally formed by taking the eu form of the present indicative, dropping the -o, and adding the opposite vowel endings:
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-AR verbs: e, es, e, emos, eis, em (e.g., falar -> fale, fales, fale, falemos, faleis, falem)
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-ER/-IR verbs: a, as, a, amos, ais, am (e.g., comer -> coma, comas, coma, comamos, comais, comam; partir -> parta, partas, parta, partamos, partais, partam)
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The Imperfect Subjunctive is typically formed from the past simple (pretérito perfeito) third-person plural (eles) form by dropping the -ram ending and adding sse, sses, sse, ssemos, sseis, ssem (e.g., falaram -> falasse; comeram -> comesse; partiram -> partisse).

When To Use It

You should employ para que + Subjunctive whenever you need to express the specific objective or desired outcome of an action, particularly when that objective pertains to a different subject. This construction is vital for clarity and precision in expressing intent. Here are several scenarios:
  • To state a desired outcome or consequence for another person/thing: This is the most direct application. Your action is geared towards enabling or causing something for someone else.
  • Eu explico devagar para que os alunos compreendam a matéria. (I explain slowly so that the students understand the material.)
  • Ele ligou o ar condicionado para que o quarto ficasse mais fresco. (He turned on the air conditioning so that the room would get cooler.)
  • To give advice, recommendations, or make requests where the outcome depends on another subject: These often implicitly carry a desired purpose.
  • Aconselho que você estude para que passe no teste. (I advise that you study so that you pass the test.) – que você estude is a nominal clause; para que passe is the final clause. This shows how they can combine.
  • Sugiro que comprem os ingressos cedo para que consigam bons lugares. (I suggest that you buy the tickets early so that you get good seats.)
  • In formal or official contexts to convey specific objectives: Here, a fim de que is often preferred for its gravitas, especially in written communication.
  • Os regulamentos foram atualizados a fim de que a segurança dos usuários seja garantida. (The regulations were updated in order that user safety be guaranteed.)
  • O projeto foi financiado para que a comunidade receba mais apoio. (The project was funded so that the community receives more support.)
  • When expressing actions taken to prevent an undesirable outcome for another subject: This is a negative purpose.
  • Fechei a janela para que o gato não fugisse. (I closed the window so that the cat wouldn't escape.)
  • Avisei-o para que ele não cometesse o mesmo erro. (I warned him so that he wouldn't make the same mistake.)
Understanding para que allows you to communicate not just what you do, but why you do it, specifically when your intentions involve other agents or entities. This adds significant depth to your expressive capabilities in Portuguese.

Common Mistakes

Portuguese learners, particularly at the B2 level, frequently encounter specific pitfalls when using final clauses. Recognizing these patterns and understanding the underlying grammatical principles will help you avoid them.
  1. 1Using the Indicative instead of the Subjunctive: This is arguably the most common and significant error. It fundamentally alters the meaning of the clause, converting a desired outcome into a stated fact, which is grammatically incorrect for expressing purpose.
  • Incorrect: Eu falo alto para que você ouve. (I speak loud so that you hear [fact, indicative])
  • Correct: Eu falo alto para que você ouça. (I speak loud so that you hear [desired outcome, subjunctive])
The indicative suggests certainty, which contradicts the nature of a purpose or intention. Remember: a goal is not a fact.
  1. 1Incorrect Tense Harmony: Mismatching the tense of the main verb with the appropriate subjunctive tense leads to awkward or illogical sentences. The rule is consistent: present/future/imperative main verb implies present subjunctive purpose; past main verb implies imperfect subjunctive purpose.
  • Incorrect: Ela trabalhou muito para que o chefe aprove o projeto. (She worked hard so that the boss approves [present subjunctive, but main verb is past])
  • Correct: Ela trabalhou muito para que o chefe aprovasse o projeto. (She worked hard so that the boss would approve [imperfect subjunctive, matching past main verb])
  1. 1Using para que when para + infinitive is appropriate (same subject): This is redundant and grammatically clunky. If the subject of both actions is the same, simplify with para + infinitive.
  • Incorrect: Eu corro para que eu emagreça. (I run so that I lose weight.)
  • Correct: Eu corro para emagrecer. (I run to lose weight.)
The unnecessary que and subjunctive conjugation mark it as an unnatural construction for a native speaker. The simplicity of para + infinitive is always preferred for a shared subject.
  1. 1Omitting que in para que: The particle que is indispensable for triggering the subjunctive mood in final clauses. Without it, the sentence structure is incomplete and often sounds ungrammatical, as if para is directly governing a conjugated verb.
  • Incorrect: Faço isso para você entenda. (Missing que.)
  • Correct: Faço isso para que você entenda.
The que acts as the bridge connecting the main clause to the subordinate clause of purpose, signaling the subjunctive requirement.
  1. 1Confusing Para que (Purpose) with Porque (Cause): This distinction is critical for expressing logical relationships correctly. Para que explains the goal or intention; porque explains the reason or cause.
  • Ele estuda para que passe no exame. (He studies so that he passes – his goal.)
  • Ele estuda porque quer passar no exame. (He studies because he wants to pass – the reason he studies.)
One looks forward to a desired outcome, the other backward to an existing reason.
  1. 1Overuse or misapplication of a fim de que: While correct, a fim de que carries a more formal tone. Using it in casual conversation or informal writing can sound stilted or pretentious. Reserve it for appropriate formal contexts.
  • Awkward in casual context: Mandei uma mensagem a fim de que você saiba que cheguei.
  • More natural: Mandei uma mensagem para que você saiba que cheguei.
By consciously avoiding these common errors, you will significantly improve the accuracy and naturalness of your Portuguese when expressing purpose.

Real Conversations

Understanding how para que is used in everyday and professional Portuguese interactions is crucial for B2 learners. These examples demonstrate its application in various modern contexts:

S

Scenario 1

Organizing an online meeting (Work Email/Chat)
V

Você

Vou enviar o convite com bastante antecedência para que todos possam ajustar as suas agendas. (I'll send the invitation well in advance so that everyone can adjust their schedules.)
C

Colega

Ótima ideia! E também vou criar uma pauta detalhada para que a discussão seja produtiva e focada. (Great idea! And I'll also create a detailed agenda so that the discussion is productive and focused.)
S

Scenario 2

Making travel plans (Casual Chat/WhatsApp)
A

Amiga A

Já comprei as passagens de trem para que não tenhamos problemas com a disponibilidade. (I've already bought the train tickets so that we don't have problems with availability.)
A

Amiga B

Perfeito! Vou reservar o hostel agora para que fiquemos no mesmo quarto. (Perfect! I'll book the hostel now so that we stay in the same room.)
S

Scenario 3

Explaining a decision (Formal Discussion/Meeting)
G

Gerente

Implementamos um novo software para que a equipe otimizasse os fluxos de trabalho e reduzisse erros. (We implemented new software so that the team would optimize workflows and reduce errors.)
M

Membro da Equipe

Entendi. Precisamos usá-lo diligentemente para que os resultados esperados sejam alcançados. (Understood. We need to use it diligently so that the expected results are achieved.)

Notice that in very informal contexts, especially in Brazilian Portuguese texting, you might occasionally see pra que as a contracted form of para que. While common in speech and informal writing, it should be avoided in formal contexts. For instance, Vou te mandar o link pra você ver is typical in a text message.

Quick FAQ

  • Q: Can pra que be used in formal writing?

No. Pra que is an informal contraction of para que, commonly used in spoken Portuguese and very casual written contexts like texting or social media comments. For any formal document, academic work, or professional email, you must use the full form para que or a fim de que.

  • Q: Is a fim de que always interchangeable with para que?

In terms of core meaning (expressing purpose), yes. However, a fim de que carries a significantly more formal and often more emphatic tone. Think of it as the equivalent of

Subjunctive Tense Matching

Main Verb Tense Subjunctive Tense Example
Present
Present Subjunctive
Quero que ele venha
Past
Imperfect Subjunctive
Queria que ele viesse

Meanings

Final clauses express the purpose or intention behind an action. When using 'para que', the following verb must be in the subjunctive mood.

1

Purpose/Goal

Indicating the objective of an action.

“Eu trabalho para que meus filhos tenham uma vida melhor.”

“Liguei para que ele soubesse a verdade.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Portuguese Final Clauses: Expressing Purpose with Subjunctive (para que)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Para que + Subj
Estudo para que aprendas
Negative
Para que não + Subj
Fiz para que não falhasse
Past
Para que + Imp. Subj
Fiz para que ele visse

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Enviei o documento para que o senhor o analise.

Enviei o documento para que o senhor o analise. (Work email)

Neutral
Enviei o documento para que você o analise.

Enviei o documento para que você o analise. (Work email)

Informal
Te mandei o doc pra você ver.

Te mandei o doc pra você ver. (Work email)

Slang
Te mandei o doc pra tu dar uma olhada.

Te mandei o doc pra tu dar uma olhada. (Work email)

Purpose Clauses

Para que

Mood

  • Subjuntivo Subjunctive
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Examples by Level

1

Eu falo para que você entenda.

I speak so that you understand.

1

Estude para que você passe na prova.

Study so that you pass the test.

1

Liguei para que ele soubesse a notícia.

I called so that he would know the news.

1

O governo criou leis para que a população viva melhor.

The government created laws so that the population lives better.

1

Implementamos o sistema para que os dados sejam processados rapidamente.

We implemented the system so that the data is processed quickly.

2

Ele agiu para que não houvesse dúvidas.

He acted so that there would be no doubts.

1

Ela trabalhou arduamente para que seus ideais fossem concretizados.

She worked hard so that her ideals would be realized.

Easily Confused

Portuguese Final Clauses: Expressing Purpose with Subjunctive (para que) vs Para + infinitive vs Para que + subjunctive

Learners forget when to switch subjects.

Common Mistakes

✗

Para que ele vai

✓

Para que ele vá

Must use subjunctive.
✗

Para que ele ir

✓

Para que ele vá

Infinitive is incorrect.
✗

Para que ele foi

✓

Para que ele fosse

Wrong tense.
✗

Para que ele faz

✓

Para que ele faça

Indicative is wrong.
✗

Para que eu posso

✓

Para que eu possa

Subjunctive required.
✗

Para que ele quer

✓

Para que ele queira

Subjunctive required.
✗

Para que nós vamos

✓

Para que nós vamos

Subjunctive is 'vamos' but often confused.
✗

Para que ele teria

✓

Para que ele tivesse

Imperfect subjunctive needed.
✗

Para que ele faz

✓

Para que ele fizesse

Tense mismatch.
✗

Para que ele diz

✓

Para que ele dissesse

Tense mismatch.
✗

Para que ele tem feito

✓

Para que ele tivesse feito

Pluperfect subjunctive needed.
✗

Para que ele é

✓

Para que ele seja

Subjunctive of ser.
✗

Para que ele tem

✓

Para que ele tenha

Subjunctive of ter.
✗

Para que ele vai

✓

Para que ele vá

Subjunctive of ir.

Sentence Patterns

Eu faço ___ para que você ___.

Real World Usage

Work email very common

Enviei o relatório para que você o revise.

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💡

Check the subject

Always check if the subject changes.

Smart Tips

Check for subject change.

Estudo para que eu passe. → Estudo para passar.

Pronunciation

vá / faça

Subjunctive endings

Ensure the final vowel is clear.

Rising

Para que ele vá? ↑

Questioning intent

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Para que: The 'Subjunctive Magnet'.

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge. On one side is the action, on the other is the goal. 'Para que' is the bridge that forces the verb into the subjunctive.

Rhyme

Para que, sempre o subjuntivo você vê.

Story

Maria wanted her friend to succeed. She studied hard. She did it 'para que' her friend 'aprendesse' (imperfect subjunctive) the material.

Word Web

para quesubjuntivoobjetivointençãofuturodesejo

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about your goals using 'para que' and share them with a tutor.

Cultural Notes

In informal speech, 'para que' is often shortened to 'pra que'.

Derived from Latin 'pro' + 'ad' + 'quod'.

Conversation Starters

“

Por que você estuda português?

Journal Prompts

Write about your goals.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill the blank.

Eu estudo para que você ___ (aprender).

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

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill the blank.

Eu estudo para que você ___ (aprender).

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

Score: /1

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Eles abriram a janela para que o ar ___ (entrar).

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: entrasse
Find the error. Error Correction

Vou trabalhar muito para que eu *pode* viajar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vou trabalhar muito para que eu possa viajar.
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

que / saibam / para / a verdade / Eles / falaram

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eles falaram para que saibam a verdade.
Translate to Portuguese. Translation

I study so that my parents are proud.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Estudo para que meus pais fiquem orgulhosos.
Select the formal version. Multiple Choice

Which one is more formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: A fim de que as metas sejam batidas.
Match the main clause with the correct final clause. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Comprei o livro / para que você o leia.
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Trabalhei o dia todo a fim de que tudo ___ (estar) pronto.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: estivesse
Which is correct for 'same subject'? Multiple Choice

I study to learn.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Estudo para aprender.
Fix the mistake. Error Correction

Mandei a mensagem para que ele *sabe* da festa.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mandei a mensagem para que ele soubesse da festa.
Translate: 'Turn on the lights so we can see.' Translation

Ligue as luzes...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: para que possamos ver.

Score: /10

FAQ (1)

No, it's grammatically incorrect.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

para que + subjuntivo

None.

French high

pour que + subjonctif

None.

German moderate

damit + verb

No subjunctive.

Japanese low

tame ni

No verb conjugation.

Arabic moderate

li-kay

Different verb system.

Chinese low

yǐbiàn

No conjugation.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Next
Concessive Clauses: Although, Even If & The Subjunctive

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