B2 Subjunctive 13 min read Medium

Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game

Use 'como se' plus the -sse verb form to describe things that aren't actually true, like acting 'as if' you were someone else.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'como se' followed by the Imperfeito do Subjuntivo to describe hypothetical or contrary-to-fact actions.

  • Always use the Imperfeito do Subjuntivo after 'como se'. Example: 'Ele fala como se soubesse tudo.'
  • The main verb determines the tense, but the 'como se' clause remains in the past subjunctive.
  • It expresses a comparison that is not true or is purely hypothetical.
Main Clause + como se + Verb (Imperfeito do Subjuntivo)

Overview

At the heart of expressive and nuanced Portuguese lies the ability to compare what is with what is not. The structure como se (as if) is the primary tool for this, allowing you to create counterfactual comparisons. It draws a parallel between a real situation and a hypothetical, unreal one.

Think of it as the grammatical engine for sarcasm, vivid description, and insightful commentary on behavior. When you see someone spending money with abandon, you might think, "He's spending como se fosse milionário" (as if he were a millionaire). This single phrase contrasts the reality (his spending) with an imagined, untrue status (being a millionaire).

Understanding como se is crucial for moving beyond literal descriptions into the realm of interpretation and figurative language. It is not a simple comparison like como (like, as). Instead, it opens a portal to an alternate reality for the sake of commentary.

Because this other reality is unreal, Portuguese grammar mandates the use of a special verb mood: the Subjunctive. Specifically, this structure exclusively triggers the Imperfeito do Subjuntivo (Imperfect Subjunctive), the tense form characterized by the -sse ending.

Mastering this pattern means you can precisely articulate how things seem, feel, or appear, even when that appearance is deceptive. It's the difference between saying someone is something and saying they act like they are something. For a B2 learner, this structure is a gateway to a more sophisticated and authentic command of the language, used constantly in everything from academic analysis to everyday gossip.

How This Grammar Works

The core principle governing como se is hypothetical distance. The phrase signals to the listener that the clause that follows does not belong to the real world; it is a fabrication, an exaggeration, or a pure hypothesis used for effect. In Romance languages, the subjunctive mood is the designated tool for marking this kind of unreality, or irrealis.
The Imperfect Subjunctive, with its distinctive -sse form, is the specific tense required to create this distance from the present or past reality of the main clause.
A common point of confusion for English speakers is the tense. In English, you might say, "She acts as if she knows everything." The use of the present tense "knows" is acceptable. However, a more formal or hypothetical-sounding option is, "She acts as if she knew everything." Portuguese is not flexible in this regard; it demands the latter form.
The verb following como se must shift into this past-looking subjunctive form to signal its hypothetical nature. This shift does not mean the action is in the past; it is a grammatical marker of irreality.
Consider the timeline:
  • Main Clause (Reality): Can be in the present, past, or future. This is what is actually happening.
  • Ela fala... (She speaks...)
  • Ela falou... (She spoke...)
  • Ela vai falar... (She is going to speak...)
  • Bridge: como se
  • Subordinate Clause (Hypothesis): The verb is always in the Imperfect Subjunctive, creating the unreal scenario for comparison.
  • ...como se soubesse de tudo. (...as if she knew everything.)
The tense of the main clause has no bearing on the tense of the como se clause. The Imperfect Subjunctive acts as a timeless, universal marker of the hypothetical. For example, "Ontem, ele me tratou como se não me conhecesse" (Yesterday, he treated me as if he didn't know me).
The main action tratou is in the past, but the hypothetical scenario (não me conhecesse) uses the same Imperfect Subjunctive form as if the main action were in the present (ele me trata...).

Formation Pattern

1
The Imperfect Subjunctive is one of the most regular and predictable verb forms in Portuguese. The formation rule is consistent across almost all verbs, including most irregulars.
2
The Golden Rule: The Imperfect Subjunctive stem is derived from the 3rd person plural (eles/elas) form of the Pretérito Perfeito do Indicativo (Simple Past Tense).
3
Here is the step-by-step process:
4
Take any verb and conjugate it in the Simple Past for eles/elas.
5
Remove the final -ram.
6
Add the appropriate Imperfect Subjunctive ending.
7
Imperfect Subjunctive Endings
8
| Pronoun | Ending |
9
|---|---|
10
| eu | -sse |
11
| você / ele / ela | -sse |
12
| nós | -ssemos |
13
| vocês / eles / elas | -ssem |
14
Accent Rule: The nós form is always accented on the vowel immediately preceding the -ssemos ending (e.g., falássemos, comêssemos, fôssemos).
15
Let's apply this to regular verbs:
16
| Infinitive | eles (Past Tense) | Stem | eu / ele / ela (-sse) | nós (-ssemos) | eles / elas (-ssem) |
17
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
18
| falar (to speak) | falaram | falá- | falasse | falássemos | falassem |
19
| comer (to eat) | comeram | comê- | comesse | comêssemos | comessem |
20
| abrir (to open) | abriram | abrî- | abrisse | abríssemos | abrissem |
21
Example in a sentence: "Você precisa agir como se entendesse a situação." (You need to act as if you understood the situation.)
22
Key Irregular Verbs
23
The great advantage of this rule is that it simplifies most irregular verbs. If you know their (often irregular) 3rd person plural past form, you can form their Imperfect Subjunctive correctly.
24
| Infinitive | eles (Past Tense) | Stem | eu / ele / ela (-sse) | nós (-ssemos) | eles / elas (-ssem) |
25
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
26
| ser / ir (to be / to go) | foram | fo- | fosse | fôssemos | fossem |
27
| ter (to have) | tiveram | tive- | tivesse | tivéssemos | tivessem |
28
| estar (to be) | estiveram | estive- | estivesse | estivéssemos | estivessem |
29
| fazer (to do/make) | fizeram | fizé- | fizesse | fizéssemos | fizessem |
30
| dizer (to say) | disseram | disse- | dissesse | disséssemos | dissessem |
31
| ver (to see) | viram | vi- | visse | víssemos | vissem |
32
| vir (to come) | vieram | vie- | viesse | viéssemos | viessem |
33
| pôr (to put) | puseram | puse- | pusesse | puséssemos | pusessem |
34
| saber (to know) | souberam | soube- | soubesse | soubéssemos | soubessem |
35
These verbs are the backbone of the como se structure. You will most frequently use forms like como se fosse, como se tivesse, and como se soubesse.

When To Use It

This structure is deployed in specific communicative situations to add a layer of interpretation or feeling to a statement. Its use falls into several key categories:
1. Characterizing Behavior and Actions
This is the most common function: using a hypothetical comparison to describe, judge, or analyze how someone is behaving. The implication is that the person's actions are incongruous with their reality.
  • "Ele anda pela casa como se fosse o dono do hotel." (He walks around the house as if he were the owner of the hotel.)
  • "Ela gasta dinheiro como se não houvesse amanhã." (She spends money as if there were no tomorrow.)
  • "Meu chefe me deu a ordem como se eu fosse um robô." (My boss gave me the order as if I were a robot.)
2. Articulating Subjective Feelings and Sensations
When a feeling is powerful but not literally true, como se provides the perfect way to express it. It bridges the gap between your internal state and the external world.
  • "Depois de correr a maratona, senti como se pudesse dormir por uma semana." (After running the marathon, I felt as if I could sleep for a week.)
  • "Quando ela me olhou, senti como se o tempo tivesse parado." (When she looked at me, I felt as if time had stopped.)
3. Expressing Sarcasm, Irony, and Exaggeration
In modern Portuguese, especially in Brazil, como se is a primary vehicle for irony. It's used to point out absurdity by stating an outrageous hypothetical comparison.
  • "Ele quer que eu termine o relatório até as cinco. Como se isso fosse possível!" (He wants me to finish the report by five. As if that were possible!)
  • "Ah, claro, vou emprestar meu carro novo para ele, como se ele fosse o motorista mais cuidadoso do mundo." (Oh, sure, I'll lend him my new car, as if he were the most careful driver in the world.)
4. Creating Vivid, Figurative, and Literary Descriptions
In writing and formal speech, this structure elevates language from the literal to the figurative, creating powerful imagery.
  • "A neblina cobria a cidade como se fosse um cobertor branco." (The fog covered the city as if it were a white blanket.)
  • "O silêncio na sala era tão profundo como se ninguém ali respirasse. (The silence in the room was so deep, as if no one in there were breathing.)

Common Mistakes

Learners frequently stumble on a few predictable points when trying to master como se. Understanding these traps is key to avoiding them.
Mistake 1: The Indicative Mood Trap
This is the most common error. Learners translate directly from less formal English or simply fail to apply the subjunctive rule, inserting a standard present or past tense verb instead.
  • Error: "Ele age como se tem muito poder."
  • Correction: "Ele age como se tivesse muito poder." (He acts as if he had a lot of power.)
  • Why it's wrong: The clause following como se is not a statement of fact; it's a counterfactual premise. The Indicative mood (tem) is for reality and facts. The Subjunctive (tivesse) is for hypothesis and unreality. Using the indicative here sounds highly discordant to a native speaker.
Mistake 2: Confusing como with como se
While similar, these two phrases have fundamentally different functions and grammatical requirements. Confusing them changes the entire meaning of a sentence.
| Structure | Meaning & Function | Verb Mood | Example & Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| como | Like / As. A direct, real comparison. | Indicative | "Ela fala como uma especialista." (She speaks like an expert—and she may actually be one.) |
| como se| As if. A hypothetical, unreal comparison. | Imperfect Subjunctive | "Ela fala como se fosse uma especialista." (She speaks as if she were an expert—but she isn't.) |
Using one for the other creates ambiguity or communicates the wrong idea. Como compares two realities; como se compares reality to a fantasy.
Mistake 3: Incorrect Tense in the Subordinate Clause
Learners sometimes try to match the tense of the como se clause to the main clause, or they overcomplicate it by using other subjunctive tenses.
  • Error: "Ele falou comigo como se seria meu amigo." (Using the conditional)
  • Error: "Ele fala comigo como se seja meu amigo." (Using the present subjunctive)
  • Correction: "Ele falou/fala comigo como se fosse meu amigo." (He spoke/speaks to me as if he were my friend.)
  • Why it's wrong: The structure como se has a fixed grammatical requirement: it is always followed by the Imperfect Subjunctive. The conditional (seria) or present subjunctive (seja) are grammatically incorrect in this context.
Advanced Case: The Pluperfect Subjunctive
There is one exception where a different tense is used: when the hypothetical situation happened before the main action. In this case, you use the Pretérito Mais-que-perfeito do Subjuntivo (Pluperfect Subjunctive), formed with tivesse/fosse + Past Participle.
  • Standard: "Ele fala como se soubesse a resposta." (He talks as if he knew the answer now.)
  • Pluperfect: "Ele fala da prova como se tivesse gabaritado." (He talks about the test as if he had aced it in the past.)
This is a more advanced C1-level distinction, but it's the only real exception to the -sse rule.

Real Conversations

This structure is not a relic of formal grammar books; it is alive and well in all registers of modern Portuguese.

On Social Media and Texting (Brazilian Portuguese)

Brazilians, in particular, use como se frequently for humorous and ironic effect. It's a staple of meme culture and casual digital communication.

- Eu, vendo o preço das passagens para a Europa. Como se meu salário permitisse kkkk. (Me, looking at flight prices to Europe. As if my salary allowed it lol.)

- A friend posts a picture of their messy room: Arrumar o quarto? Como se eu tivesse tempo pra isso. (Clean my room? As if I had time for that.)

- O crush me respondeu depois de 3 dias agindo como se nada tivesse acontecido. (My crush answered me after 3 days acting as if nothing had happened.)

In the Workplace

In a professional context, como se is used to discuss hypotheticals, strategies, and perceptions in a polished way.

- "Temos que apresentar o plano como se o financiamento já estivesse garantido. Precisamos projetar confiança." (We have to present the plan as if the funding were already guaranteed. We need to project confidence.) - Brazilian Portuguese pronunciation note: estivesse sounds like 'es-chee-VEH-see'.

- "Ele gere a equipa como se soubesse as necessidades de cada um, mas na verdade não escuta ninguém." (He manages the team as if he knew everyone's needs, but in reality he doesn't listen to anyone.) - European Portuguese pronunciation note: soubesse sounds more like 'soo-BEH-ss' with a closed vowel sound.

Informal Colloquialisms

The phrase que nem is sometimes used in very informal Brazilian Portuguese as a substitute for como se. It can be ambiguous, sometimes meaning como and other times como se.

- "Ele corre que nem um louco." (He runs like a crazy person.)

- Sometimes, it can take the subjunctive: "Ele gasta que nem tivesse ganhado na loteria." This is very colloquial and should be avoided in any formal or standard context. For clear and correct communication, always prefer como se.

Quick FAQ

Q: So the verb after como se will basically always end in -sse?

Yes, for a B2 learner, this is the safest and most accurate rule to follow. The Imperfect Subjunctive is the default and correct tense in almost all situations. The only common exception is the Pluperfect Subjunctive (tivesse feito, fosse dito, etc.), used when the hypothetical action is clearly in the past relative to the main verb, which is a more advanced structure.

Q: I'm a Spanish speaker. Can I say como si?

No. This is a classic point of confusion. In Spanish, the correct phrase is como si, but in Portuguese, it is always como se. Using como si in Portuguese is a clear marker of a non-native speaker and is grammatically incorrect.

Q: Is como se considered formal or informal?

Neither. It is a standard grammatical structure that is universally applicable across all levels of formality. The context and vocabulary surrounding the phrase determine its tone. It is just as appropriate in a legal document ("O réu agiu como se a lei não se aplicasse a ele.") as it is in a sarcastic text message.

Q: What is the difference between como se fosse and como se estivesse?

This follows the standard distinction between the verbs ser and estar. Fosse (ser) is used for inherent characteristics, identities, and permanent states. Estivesse (estar) is for temporary states, locations, and feelings.

  • Como se fosse rico. (As if he were rich - an inherent quality.)
  • Como se estivesse doente. (As if he were sick - a temporary condition.)

Imperfeito do Subjuntivo Endings

Pronoun Falar (-ar) Comer (-er) Partir (-ir)
Eu
falasse
comesse
partisse
Você/Ele
falasse
comesse
partisse
Nós
falássemos
comêssemos
partíssemos
Eles
falassem
comessem
partissem

Meanings

This construction is used to make comparisons with hypothetical, imaginary, or contrary-to-fact situations.

1

Hypothetical Comparison

Comparing someone's current behavior to an imaginary state.

“Ele corre como se estivesse fugindo.”

“Ela canta como se fosse uma estrela.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Como se + Verb
Ele fala como se soubesse.
Negative
Como se não + Verb
Ele fala como se não soubesse.
Question
Fala como se soubesse?
Você fala como se soubesse?
Past
Falou como se soubesse
Ele falou como se soubesse.
Irregular
Como se fosse
Ela age como se fosse rainha.
Plural
Como se estivessem
Eles correm como se estivessem fugindo.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Ele se comporta como se fosse o proprietário do local.

Ele se comporta como se fosse o proprietário do local. (Describing someone arrogant.)

Neutral
Ele age como se fosse o dono do lugar.

Ele age como se fosse o dono do lugar. (Describing someone arrogant.)

Informal
Ele age como se fosse o dono da porra toda.

Ele age como se fosse o dono da porra toda. (Describing someone arrogant.)

Slang
Ele tá agindo como se fosse o dono da bagaça.

Ele tá agindo como se fosse o dono da bagaça. (Describing someone arrogant.)

The Como Se Logic

Como Se

Mood

  • Subjuntivo Subjunctive

Tense

  • Imperfeito Imperfect
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Examples by Level

1

Ele come como se tivesse fome.

He eats as if he were hungry.

1

Ela fala como se soubesse tudo.

She speaks as if she knew everything.

1

Eles agem como se fossem donos da casa.

They act as if they were owners of the house.

1

O céu está escuro como se fosse chover.

The sky is dark as if it were going to rain.

1

Ele me olhou como se eu fosse um estranho.

He looked at me as if I were a stranger.

1

Ela se vestiu como se fosse a uma festa de gala.

She dressed as if she were going to a gala.

Easily Confused

Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game vs Como vs Como se

Learners use 'como' for hypothetical situations.

Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game vs Present Subjunctive vs Imperfeito do Subjuntivo

Learners use the present subjunctive after 'como se'.

Como Se + Subjunctive: The 'As If' Game vs Indicative vs Subjunctive

Learners use the indicative after 'como se'.

Common Mistakes

✗

Ele fala como se sabe.

✓

Ele fala como se soubesse.

Must use subjunctive.
✗

Ela age como se é rainha.

✓

Ela age como se fosse rainha.

Use past subjunctive.
✗

Eles correm como se fogem.

✓

Eles correm como se fugissem.

Subjunctive required.
✗

Eu falo como se tenho dinheiro.

✓

Eu falo como se tivesse dinheiro.

Subjunctive required.
✗

Ele olha como se viu um fantasma.

✓

Ele olha como se tivesse visto um fantasma.

Need compound subjunctive.
✗

Ela canta como se ela é famosa.

✓

Ela canta como se fosse famosa.

Avoid redundant pronouns.
✗

Eles falam como se eles sabem.

✓

Eles falam como se soubessem.

Subjunctive needed.
✗

Ele agiu como se sabe.

✓

Ele agiu como se soubesse.

Tense agreement doesn't change the mood.
✗

Ela fala como se ela fosse.

✓

Ela fala como se fosse.

Avoid unnecessary subject pronoun.
✗

Eles agem como se estariam.

✓

Eles agem como se estivessem.

Conditional is wrong here.
✗

Ele fala como se ele teria visto.

✓

Ele fala como se tivesse visto.

Pluperfect subjunctive required.
✗

Ela age como se fosse que ela sabe.

✓

Ela age como se soubesse.

Clunky phrasing.
✗

Eles falam como se eles fossem.

✓

Eles falam como se fossem.

Redundant pronoun.

Sentence Patterns

Ele ___ como se ___ tudo.

Ela ___ como se ___ uma rainha.

Eles ___ como se ___ com medo.

Você ___ como se ___ um milionário.

Real World Usage

Social Media very common

Ele posta foto como se fosse rico.

Texting common

Fala como se soubesse.

Job Interview occasional

Ele agiu como se tivesse experiência.

Travel occasional

O guia fala como se conhecesse a história.

Food Delivery rare

O entregador chegou como se estivesse com pressa.

Literature constant

Ela olhou como se visse o futuro.

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💡

The -sse Rule

If you see 'como se', look for the -sse ending. It's the most reliable indicator.
⚠️

Avoid Indicative

Never use the present indicative after 'como se'. It sounds like a mistake.
🎯

Use for Irony

Use this construction to sound sarcastic when someone is being dramatic.
💬

Regional Use

It is used universally across all Portuguese-speaking countries.

Smart Tips

Add 'como se' + -sse to sound more native.

Ele age como um rei. → Ele age como se fosse um rei.

Use 'como se' to highlight the absurdity.

Ele acha que sabe tudo. → Ele fala como se soubesse tudo.

Check if it follows 'como se'.

Ele fala como se sabe. → Ele fala como se soubesse.

If it's hypothetical, use the subjunctive.

Ela canta como é uma estrela. → Ela canta como se fosse uma estrela.

Pronunciation

fos-se

Stress

The stress in -sse endings is on the penultimate syllable.

Sarcastic

Ele fala... como se soubesse! (rising tone)

Conveys doubt.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Como se... -sse! If it's not real, add the -sse.

Visual Association

Imagine someone wearing a crown made of paper, acting like a king. The 'como se' is the invisible string connecting their fake crown to their real head.

Rhyme

Se a situação não é real, o verbo termina em -sse, afinal!

Story

João walks into the office. He wears a cape. He acts as if he were a superhero. Everyone stares as if they were confused.

Word Web

fossetivessesoubessequisessepudesseestivesse

Challenge

Write 5 sentences today describing people you see using 'como se'.

Cultural Notes

Very common in daily gossip and social media commentary.

Used similarly, but often with slightly more formal vocabulary.

Used in storytelling and oral traditions.

Derived from Latin 'quomodo si', meaning 'in the manner as if'.

Conversation Starters

“

Você já viu alguém agir como se fosse famoso?

“

Como você se sente quando alguém fala como se soubesse tudo?

“

Descreva um filme onde o personagem age como se fosse um herói.

“

Se você pudesse viver como se fosse um milionário, o que faria?

Journal Prompts

Escreva sobre uma pessoa que você conhece que age como se fosse superior aos outros.
Imagine que você é um ator. Descreva como você agiria se fosse um vilão.
Descreva um dia em que tudo deu errado, como se o universo estivesse contra você.
Reflita sobre uma situação em que você teve que agir como se estivesse calmo, mas estava nervoso.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Ele fala como se ___ (saber) tudo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive required.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subjunctive required.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ela corre como se tem medo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subjunctive required.
Transform to 'como se'. Sentence Transformation

Ele age como um dono. -> Ele age como se ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subjunctive required.
Conjugate 'ter'. Conjugation Drill

Ele fala como se ___ dinheiro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subjunctive required.
Match the verb. Match Pairs

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subjunctive required.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Order: como / se / fosse / ele / agir

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct word order.
True or False? True False Rule

Can you use the indicative after 'como se'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Always subjunctive.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Ele fala como se ___ (saber) tudo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Subjunctive required.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subjunctive required.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Ela corre como se tem medo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subjunctive required.
Transform to 'como se'. Sentence Transformation

Ele age como um dono. -> Ele age como se ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subjunctive required.
Conjugate 'ter'. Conjugation Drill

Ele fala como se ___ dinheiro.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subjunctive required.
Match the verb. Match Pairs

Match 'ser' with its subjunctive.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Subjunctive required.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Order: como / se / fosse / ele / agir

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: a
Correct word order.
True or False? True False Rule

Can you use the indicative after 'como se'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: b
Always subjunctive.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Conjugate 'viver' (to live) correctly. Fill in the Blank

Ele conta histórias como se ___ em Paris.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: vivesse
Match the 'Como se' phrase to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Como se fosse f\u00e1cil : As if it were easy","Como se n\u00e3o importasse : As if it didn't matter","Como se eu soubesse : As if I knew"]
Identify the correct subjunctive form. Multiple Choice

Elas gritam como se ___ loucas. (ser)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fossem
Fix the mistake. Error Correction

Ele me trata como se sou uma criança.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele me trata como se fosse uma criança.
Put the words in order. Sentence Reorder

fosse / chefe / Ele / o / como se / age

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele age como se fosse o chefe
Choose the correct form of 'poder' (can). Fill in the Blank

Ela dirige como se ___ voar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: pudesse
Select the correct translation. Multiple Choice

Como se nada tivesse acontecido.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: As if nothing had happened.
Conjugate 'chover' (to rain). Fill in the Blank

Está escuro como se ___ chover.

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

Nós agimos como se fôsse-mos irmãos.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Nós agimos como se fôssemos irmãos.
Complete with 'querer' (to want). Fill in the Blank

Ele pede comida como se não ___ pagar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: quisesse
Which sentence implies the person is NOT rich? Multiple Choice

Choose the hypothetical statement.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele gasta como se fosse rico.
Conjugate 'ver' (to see). Fill in the Blank

Ela gritou como se ___ um fantasma.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: visse

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

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.

If it is real, don't use 'como se'. Use 'como' or another comparative structure.

Because it describes a hypothetical state in the past or present.

Yes, it describes the hypothetical nature of the event, not the time.

It is neutral and used in all registers.

Using the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive.

No, it is a very consistent rule.

Scaffolded Practice

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

como si + imperfecto de subjuntivo

None, they are cognates.

French high

comme si + imparfait

Mood selection.

German moderate

als ob + Konjunktiv II

German word order changes.

Japanese low

~ka no you ni

No verb conjugation for mood.

Arabic low

ka'annahu

Particle-based vs verb-based.

Chinese low

haoxiang

No conjugation.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Hypothetical If Clauses: Dreaming in Portuguese (Se eu fosse...)
Next
Polite Requests: Using the "If" Subjunctive (Imperfeito do Conjuntivo)

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