B2 Subjunctive 13 min read Hard

Concessive Clauses: Although, Even If & The Subjunctive

Use the Subjunctive mood after connectors like 'embora', 'mesmo que', and 'ainda que' to express contrast.
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use the subjunctive after 'embora' or 'mesmo que' when expressing hypothetical or uncertain concessions.

  • Use 'embora' + subjunctive for 'although' (e.g., Embora chova, vou sair).
  • Use 'mesmo que' + subjunctive for 'even if' (e.g., Mesmo que chova, vou sair).
  • Use indicative only if the fact is already established and certain (less common in this structure).
Concessive Connector + Subjunctive Verb + , + Main Clause

Overview

Concessive clauses are a sophisticated tool for expressing contrast in Portuguese. They introduce an obstacle, a counter-argument, or a surprising fact that, logically, should prevent the action in the main clause from happening. However, the action proceeds regardless.

Think of it as the grammatical equivalent of saying, "Despite X, Y still occurs." For a B2 learner, mastering these structures is a significant step towards expressing complex thoughts with the nuance of a native speaker, moving beyond simple connectors like mas (but).

The core of this grammar rule is the Subjunctive mood. Conjunctions like embora (although), mesmo que (even if), and ainda que (even though) almost always require the verb in their clause to be in the subjunctive. This isn't just an arbitrary rule to memorize.

It reflects a specific speaker attitude: by using the subjunctive, you frame the obstacle not as a determining factor, but as a point you are consciously conceding or setting aside. The information is acknowledged, but its expected power to influence the outcome is nullified. This allows you to emphasize determination, highlight ironic situations, or gracefully concede a point in a discussion.

For example, instead of a simple, factual statement like Ele é rico, mas não é feliz (He is rich, but he is not happy), a concessive clause creates a more integrated and nuanced thought: Embora seja rico, ele não é feliz (Although he is rich, he is not happy). The subjunctive seja signals that the richness, while true, is being presented as an obstacle to the expected outcome (happiness) that is being overcome or defied. It connects the two ideas in a more profound cause-and-effect relationship, even if that effect is the opposite of what one would expect.

How This Grammar Works

The fundamental reason for using the subjunctive in concessive clauses is to signal a subjective framing of a fact. You, the speaker, are acknowledging a reality—the obstacle—but you are simultaneously demoting its importance relative to the main clause. The subjunctive here does not mean the information is untrue or imaginary.
Instead, it signals that the information is irrelevant to the final outcome. This is a crucial distinction that separates concessive clauses from simple factual statements.
Let's break down the logic with an example:
  • Indicative Statement: Chove muito. (It rains a lot.) - This is presented as an objective, standalone fact.
  • Concessive Clause: Embora chova muito, vamos fazer um piquenique. (Although it rains a lot, we are going to have a picnic.)
In the second sentence, the act of raining is still a reality. However, the use of the present subjunctive chova tells the listener that you are mentally bracketing this fact. You are saying, "I acknowledge the rain, I concede this point, but I am choosing to act in a way that defies its logical consequence (which would be to cancel the picnic)." The main clause, which remains in the indicative (vamos fazer), is therefore presented as the more powerful, determined reality.
This contrasts sharply with using the conjunction mas (but), which simply juxtaposes two independent facts: Chove muito, mas vamos fazer um piquenique. This is grammatically correct, but less sophisticated. It presents two separate thoughts connected by a conjunction. The embora construction weaves them into a single, more complex idea where one part exists in defiance of the other.
The subjunctive is the engine that drives this sophisticated meaning, subordinating the obstacle to the main idea, both grammatically and rhetorically.

Formation Pattern

1
The structure for concessive clauses is consistent and follows a clear pattern. You will combine a specific concessive conjunction with a clause in the subjunctive mood.
2
The most common formula is:
3
Conjunction + Subordinate Clause (Subjunctive) , Main Clause (Indicative)
4
Or, you can invert the order for stylistic emphasis:
5
Main Clause (Indicative) + Conjunction + Subordinate Clause (Subjunctive)
6
1. Conjunctions That Always Trigger the Subjunctive
7
These conjunctions are reliable signals that you must use the subjunctive. They are the bedrock of this grammatical structure.
8
| Conjunction | English Equivalent | Notes |
9
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
10
| embora | although, even though | The most common and versatile concessive conjunction. |
11
| mesmo que | even if | Often carries a stronger, more hypothetical or emphatic tone. |
12
| ainda que | even though, even if | Very similar to embora and mesmo que, often interchangeable. |
13
| apesar de que | despite the fact that | A slightly more formal alternative to embora. |
14
| conquanto | although (very formal) | Literary and rare in spoken language. Useful for formal writing. |
15
| posto que | granted that (formal) | Also formal, used to concede a point before refuting it. |
16
| nem que | not even if | Used for strong negative conditions. Não abro a porta, nem que o mundo acabe.|
17
| por mais que | no matter how much | Expresses quantity or intensity. Por mais que ele tente, não consegue. |
18
| por muito que | no matter how much | Synonymous with por mais que. (More common in EP). |
19
2. Tense Harmony: The Core of Correct Formation
20
The tense you choose for the subjunctive verb is not random; it must align with the tense of the main clause. This is known as Sequence of Tenses (Sequência de Tempos or Correlação Verbal).
21
| Main Clause Tense | Subjunctive Tense in Concessive Clause | Example |
22
| :--- | :--- | :--- |
23
| Present, Future, Imperative | Present Subjunctive | Embora esteja frio, vou à praia. (Although it's cold, I will go to the beach.) |
24
| Past (Preterite, Imperfect) | Imperfect Subjunctive | Embora estivesse frio, eu fui à praia. (Although it was cold, I went to the beach.) |
25
Present/Future Harmony: Mesmo que você não peça, eu te ajudarei. (Even if you don't ask, I will help you.) The future ajudarei in the main clause requires the present subjunctive peça.
26
Past Harmony: Ainda que ela tivesse pouco tempo, ela nos ajudou. (Even though she had little time, she helped us.) The preterite ajudou in the main clause requires the imperfect subjunctive tivesse.
27
3. The Apesar de + Infinitive Shortcut
28
A very common and elegant alternative exists when the subject of the main clause and the subordinate clause is the same. Instead of using apesar de que + subjunctive, you can simply use apesar de + infinitive.
29
Full Clause: Apesar de que eu esteja cansado, eu vou continuar trabalhando.
30
Infinitive Shortcut: Apesar de estar cansado, eu vou continuar trabalhando. (Despite being tired, I will keep working.)
31
This structure is more concise and is frequently preferred in both spoken and written Portuguese. It works with past tenses as well: Apesar de estar cansado, eu continuei trabalhando. The infinitive does not change.

When To Use It

Beyond simply knowing the rules, a B2 learner needs to know the specific communicative situations where concessive clauses are most effective. They add a layer of rhetorical polish to your speech and writing.
1. To Show Determination or Persistence
This is the classic use case: emphasizing your will to complete an action despite difficulties. It’s a powerful way to express resolve.
  • Mesmo que o projeto seja extremamente complexo, vamos terminá-lo no prazo. (Even if the project is extremely complex, we will finish it on schedule.)
  • Eu vou aprender português, ainda que leve anos! (I'm going to learn Portuguese, even if it takes years!)
2. To Concede a Point in an Argument
In a discussion or debate, concessive clauses are an essential tool for showing that you understand the other person's point of view before presenting your own counter-argument. This makes your position sound more reasonable and well-thought-out.
  • Embora seu ponto de vista faça sentido, a realidade dos dados mostra outra coisa. (Although your point of view makes sense, the reality of the data shows something else.)
  • Eu entendo sua preocupação. Apesar de que o investimento pareça arriscado, os retornos potenciais são enormes. (I understand your concern. Despite the fact that the investment seems risky, the potential returns are enormous.)
  • Seu argumento é bom. Conquanto, ainda que tenha razão nesse aspeto, você ignora o impacto social. (Your argument is good. However, even if you are right in that aspect, you are ignoring the social impact.)
3. To Express Irony, Surprise, or an Unexpected Outcome
These clauses are perfect for highlighting a situation where the result is the opposite of what one would logically expect, often creating an ironic or surprising effect.
  • Ainda que ele tivesse o mapa, conseguiu se perder na cidade. (Even though he had the map, he managed to get lost in the city.)
  • É incrível. Por mais que eu coma, não engordo. (It's incredible. No matter how much I eat, I don't gain weight.)
4. Choosing Between Formal and Informal Conjunctions
Your choice of conjunction can signal formality. For everyday conversation, embora and mesmo que are your go-to options. Apesar de + infinitive is also extremely common.
Ainda que is also frequent. However, conquanto and posto que are almost exclusively reserved for academic papers, legal documents, or very formal speeches. Using them in a casual conversation would sound unnatural and archaic.

Common Mistakes

Learners often stumble in a few predictable areas when first using concessive clauses. Being aware of these pitfalls is the first step to avoiding them.
Mistake 1: Using the Indicative Mood
This is by far the most common error, usually stemming from direct translation from English, which often uses the indicative in these situations. You must train yourself to associate these conjunctions with the subjunctive.
  • Wrong: Embora ele tem muito dinheiro, não é feliz. (Direct translation of "Although he has...")
  • Correct: Embora ele tenha muito dinheiro, não é feliz.
Mistake 2: Incorrect Tense Harmony
Failing to match the subjunctive tense to the main clause tense is another frequent issue. Remember the rule: present/future in the main clause demands the present subjunctive, while a past tense in the main clause demands the imperfect subjunctive.
  • Wrong: Mesmo que eu estivesse cansado amanhã, eu vou à festa. (Mixing imperfect subjunctive with a future main clause.)
  • Correct: Mesmo que eu esteja cansado amanhã, eu vou à festa.
  • Wrong: Ainda que seja tarde, nós fomos ao cinema. (Mixing present subjunctive with a past main clause.)
  • Correct: Ainda que fosse tarde, nós fomos ao cinema.
Mistake 3: Confusing apesar de and apesar de que
The similar phrasing leads to confusion. Remember the rule: apesar de is followed by a noun or an infinitive verb. Apesar de que is followed by a conjugated subjunctive verb.
  • Wrong: Apesar de que estar doente...
  • Wrong: Apesar de esteja doente...
  • Correct: Apesar de estar doente...
  • Correct: Apesar de que esteja doente...
Mistake 4: Indicative Creep with apesar de que
While the strict grammatical rule demands the subjunctive, in informal spoken Portuguese (especially in Brazil), you may hear native speakers use the indicative with apesar de que. For example: Apesar de que ele é legal, eu não confio nele. While this occurs, as a B2 learner aiming for correctness, you should stick to the subjunctive. Mastering the standard rule first is essential before experimenting with colloquial variations.

Real Conversations

Textbook examples are clean, but real language is often messier and more concise. Here’s how you’ll see and hear concessive clauses in the wild.

1. In Text Messages (WhatsApp/Instagram DMs)

Abbreviations are common. q is often used for que.

— E aí, vem pra festa hj à noite? (So, you coming to the party tonight?)

— Po, tô exausto do trabalho... mas vou sim, mesmo q seja só pra dar um oi! (Man, I'm exhausted from work... but yeah I'll go, even if it's just to say hi!)

2. In a Work Email

The language is more formal, but the structure is the same. Embora is a professional and safe choice.

S

Subject

Atualização do Projeto Alfa

Prezada equipe,

Embora tenhamos enfrentado alguns desafios inesperados nesta fase, gostaria de parabenizá-los pelo excelente progresso. A dedicação de todos é o que nos permitirá cumprir o prazo.

(Dear Team, Although we have faced some unexpected challenges in this phase, I would like to congratulate you on the excellent progress. Everyone's dedication is what will allow us to meet the deadline.)

3. In Casual Conversation

Here, the flow is natural and the clauses are integrated seamlessly.

— Nossa, você paga academia e nunca vai! (Wow, you pay for the gym and never go!)

— Eu sei! E por mais que eu tente criar o hábito, sempre aparece alguma coisa. (I know! And no matter how much I try to build the habit, something always comes up.)

4. On Social Media (Instagram Caption)

Concessive clauses are common in reflective or motivational posts.

Fim de semana perfeito na serra. 🍃 Ainda que a vida na cidade seja corrida e estressante, momentos como este nos lembram do que realmente importa.

(Perfect weekend in the mountains. 🍃 Even though life in the city is rushed and stressful, moments like this remind us of what really matters.)

Quick FAQ

Q: Do I really have to use the subjunctive after embora? Is there any exception?

For a B2 learner, the answer is a firm yes. Consider embora a 99.9% reliable trigger for the subjunctive. In very old texts or some hyper-formal literary contexts, you might find a rare indicative, but in modern standard Portuguese, embora + subjunctive is the rule to live by.

Q: What's the real difference between embora, ainda que, and mesmo que?

They are largely interchangeable and often a matter of speaker preference. However, there are subtle nuances. Embora is the most neutral "although." Ainda que can feel a bit more emphatic, like "even though." Mesmo que often implies the most resistance to the obstacle and can lean towards the meaning of "even if," suggesting a hypothetical but defiant scenario.

Q: Can I put the main clause first?

Absolutely. The order is flexible and changes the emphasis. Starting with the concessive clause (Embora chova, vou sair.) builds a little suspense and puts the focus on the obstacle being overcome. Starting with the main clause (Vou sair, embora chova.) states the main action first and adds the concession as an additional piece of information. Both are completely correct.

Q: Are there any major differences between Brazilian and European Portuguese for this rule?

The core grammar is identical. Both variants use the subjunctive with these conjunctions and follow the same tense harmony rules. The main minor difference lies in colloquial usage. As mentioned, apesar de que + indicative might be heard more in informal Brazilian speech. Another difference is the conjunction se bem que. In European Portuguese, it's often used with the indicative to mean "but on the other hand," acting more like mas. In Brazil, its use is less common and often replaced by embora.

Q: I saw seja... seja or quer... quer. Are these related?

Excellent question. Yes, they are a type of correlative conjunction that also expresses an idea similar to concession or choice, meaning "whether... or". They also use the subjunctive. For example: Seja por bem, seja por mal, você vai fazer a lição. (Whether by hook or by crook, you will do the lesson.) This is a more advanced structure but follows the same subjunctive logic.

Present Subjunctive for Concessive Clauses

Pronoun Ser (to be) Estar (to be) Ter (to have)
Eu
seja
esteja
tenha
Você/Ele
seja
esteja
tenha
Nós
sejamos
estejamos
tenhamos
Eles
sejam
estejam
tenham

Meanings

Concessive clauses introduce a contrast or an obstacle to the main action. In Portuguese, when the concession is hypothetical or future-oriented, the subjunctive is required.

1

Hypothetical Concession

Even if something happens (uncertainty).

“Mesmo que ele venha, não vou falar.”

“Ainda que chova, faremos o churrasco.”

2

Fact-based Concession

Although it is a fact.

“Embora ele seja meu amigo, discordo dele.”

“Ainda que saiba a verdade, prefiro o silêncio.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Concessive Clauses: Although, Even If & The Subjunctive
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Embora + Subj
Embora chova, vou.
Negative
Embora não + Subj
Embora não chova, não vou.
Hypothetical
Mesmo que + Subj
Mesmo que ele venha, saio.
Intensive
Por mais que + Subj
Por mais que tente, falho.
Past
Embora + Imp. Subj
Embora chovesse, fui.
Future
Mesmo que + Fut. Subj
Mesmo que chover, irei.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Embora seja dispendioso, irei adquiri-lo.

Embora seja dispendioso, irei adquiri-lo. (Shopping)

Neutral
Embora seja caro, vou comprar.

Embora seja caro, vou comprar. (Shopping)

Informal
Mesmo que seja caro, eu compro.

Mesmo que seja caro, eu compro. (Shopping)

Slang
Mesmo sendo caro, vou levar.

Mesmo sendo caro, vou levar. (Shopping)

Concessive Connectors

Concessive Clause

Common

  • Embora Although

Conditional

  • Mesmo que Even if

Intensive

  • Por mais que No matter how much
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Embora seja tarde, vou estudar.

Although it is late, I will study.

1

Mesmo que chova, vou sair.

Even if it rains, I will go out.

1

Ainda que ele não queira, vou ir.

Even though he doesn't want to, I will go.

1

Por mais que eu tente, não entendo.

No matter how much I try, I don't understand.

1

Posto que seja difícil, continuaremos.

Even though it is difficult, we will continue.

1

Embora saibamos a verdade, calamo-nos.

Although we know the truth, we remain silent.

Easily Confused

Concessive Clauses: Although, Even If & The Subjunctive vs Embora vs Mas

Both mean 'but/although', but 'mas' is a conjunction and 'embora' is a subordinating connector.

Concessive Clauses: Although, Even If & The Subjunctive vs Subjunctive vs Indicative

Learners often default to indicative.

Concessive Clauses: Although, Even If & The Subjunctive vs Mesmo que vs Se

Both are conditional.

Common Mistakes

✗

Embora ele é...

✓

Embora ele seja...

Must use subjunctive after concessive connectors.
✗

Mesmo que ele vai...

✓

Mesmo que ele vá...

Subjunctive required.
✗

Embora chove...

✓

Embora chova...

Subjunctive conjugation.
✗

Ainda que ele tem...

✓

Ainda que ele tenha...

Subjunctive of ter.
✗

Embora eu sou...

✓

Embora eu seja...

Irregular verb conjugation.
✗

Mesmo que ele quer...

✓

Mesmo que ele queira...

Subjunctive of querer.
✗

Por mais que eu tento...

✓

Por mais que eu tente...

Subjunctive of tentar.
✗

Embora era...

✓

Embora fosse...

Need imperfect subjunctive for past.
✗

Ainda que ele vai...

✓

Ainda que ele vá...

Future subjunctive vs present.
✗

Embora ele sabe...

✓

Embora ele saiba...

Subjunctive of saber.
✗

Embora ter...

✓

Embora tenha...

Personal vs impersonal infinitive.
✗

Mesmo que ele teria...

✓

Mesmo que ele tivesse...

Conditional vs imperfect subjunctive.
✗

Por mais que ele faz...

✓

Por mais que ele faça...

Subjunctive of fazer.
✗

Ainda que ele diz...

✓

Ainda que ele diga...

Subjunctive of dizer.

Sentence Patterns

Embora ___ (verb), eu vou.

Mesmo que ___ (verb), não vou.

Por mais que ___ (verb), não consigo.

Ainda que ___ (verb), farei isso.

Real World Usage

Texting very common

Embora esteja ocupado, te ligo depois.

Job Interview common

Embora não tenha experiência, aprendo rápido.

Travel common

Mesmo que o voo atrase, chegarei.

Food Delivery occasional

Mesmo que demore, quero o pedido.

Social Media very common

Ainda que esteja frio, a vista é linda!

Formal Letter common

Embora compreendamos a situação, não podemos aceitar.

Sign up free to see all examples
💡

Subjunctive Trigger

If you see 'embora', prepare to conjugate the next verb in the subjunctive.
⚠️

Don't use Indicative

Avoid 'Embora ele é'. It sounds very unnatural to native speakers.
🎯

Use 'Mesmo que' for emphasis

Use 'mesmo que' when you want to emphasize that the condition doesn't matter.
💬

Regional variation

In Portugal, you might hear indicative after 'embora' for facts. In Brazil, stick to subjunctive.

Smart Tips

Use 'Embora' at the start of the sentence to show you are being polite and acknowledging the other person's perspective.

Não posso ir, mas agradeço. → Embora não possa ir, agradeço o convite.

Use 'Por mais que' to show you have considered the counter-argument.

Você está errado, mas entendo. → Por mais que você tenha razão, discordo.

Use 'Mesmo que' to show you are committed despite obstacles.

Se chover, vou mesmo assim. → Mesmo que chova, vou.

Use 'Ainda que' to add dramatic tension.

Estava difícil, mas continuei. → Ainda que estivesse difícil, continuei.

Pronunciation

seja /se-ja/

Subjunctive endings

Ensure the 'e' or 'a' ending is clear to distinguish from indicative.

Rising-Falling

Embora chova (rise), vou sair (fall).

Signals the contrast.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Embora' as 'Em-bora' (in-go), meaning even if you go, the obstacle remains.

Visual Association

Imagine a person walking through a rainstorm with an umbrella. The rain is the concessive clause, the person walking is the main clause.

Rhyme

Embora ou mesmo que, o verbo muda, você vai ver!

Story

Maria wanted to go to the beach. 'Embora esteja nublado, vou!' she said. Even though it was cloudy, she went. She didn't care about the weather.

Word Web

EmboraMesmo queAinda quePor mais queSubjuntivoContraste

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about your day using 'Embora' + a subjunctive verb.

Cultural Notes

Brazilians use 'mesmo que' very frequently in casual speech.

European Portuguese speakers may use the indicative more often for facts.

Similar to Brazil, the subjunctive is preferred for emphasis.

Derived from Latin 'quamquam' and 'etsi'.

Conversation Starters

“

Embora você esteja ocupado, pode me ajudar?

“

Mesmo que ganhasse na loteria, você trabalharia?

“

Ainda que o curso seja caro, vale a pena?

“

Por mais que você tente, o que é difícil aprender?

Journal Prompts

Write about a goal you have. Use 'Embora' to mention an obstacle.
Describe a hypothetical scenario using 'Mesmo que'.
Reflect on a past challenge using 'Ainda que' in the past.
Argue for a controversial topic using 'Por mais que'.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct subjunctive form of 'ser'.

Embora ___ (ser) difícil, vou tentar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: seja
Embora requires the present subjunctive.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora ele venha.
Subjunctive is required.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Mesmo que ele tem tempo, não vai.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tenha
Subjunctive of ter.
Change to concessive. Sentence Transformation

Ele é rico, mas não é feliz. (Use Embora)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora ele seja rico, não é feliz.
Subjunctive required.
Conjugate 'fazer' in the subjunctive. Conjugation Drill

Embora ele ___ (fazer) o trabalho, não gostou.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: faça
Subjunctive of fazer.
Match the connector to the meaning. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Although, Even if, No matter how much
Standard definitions.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Order: (vou / Embora / cansado / esteja)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora esteja cansado, vou.
Correct word order.
Is this true? True False Rule

Concessive clauses always use the indicative.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
They usually require the subjunctive.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct subjunctive form of 'ser'.

Embora ___ (ser) difícil, vou tentar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: seja
Embora requires the present subjunctive.
Choose the correct sentence. Multiple Choice

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora ele venha.
Subjunctive is required.
Fix the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Mesmo que ele tem tempo, não vai.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: tenha
Subjunctive of ter.
Change to concessive. Sentence Transformation

Ele é rico, mas não é feliz. (Use Embora)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora ele seja rico, não é feliz.
Subjunctive required.
Conjugate 'fazer' in the subjunctive. Conjugation Drill

Embora ele ___ (fazer) o trabalho, não gostou.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: faça
Subjunctive of fazer.
Match the connector to the meaning. Match Pairs

Match: Embora, Mesmo que, Por mais que

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Although, Even if, No matter how much
Standard definitions.
Build a sentence. Sentence Building

Order: (vou / Embora / cansado / esteja)

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora esteja cansado, vou.
Correct word order.
Is this true? True False Rule

Concessive clauses always use the indicative.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: False
They usually require the subjunctive.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

12 exercises
Conjugate 'fazer' in the subjunctive. Fill in the Blank

Por mais que ele ___ dieta, não emagrece.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: faça
Pick the right connector. Multiple Choice

___ chova, vamos à praia.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora
Fix the verb mood. Error Correction

Embora o filme é bom, eu dormi.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora o filme seja bom...
Unscramble the sentence. Sentence Reorder

que / saiba / ele / Mesmo / não / vou / eu

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mesmo que ele não saiba, eu vou.
Translate 'Even if I go...' Translation

Translate: Even if I go

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mesmo que eu vá
Match the connector to its meaning. Match Pairs

Match the items

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Embora - Although","Mesmo que - Even if","Nem que - Not even if"]
Select the correct form of 'estar'. Fill in the Blank

Vou sair, nem que ___ doente.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: esteja
Which sentence implies the past? Multiple Choice

Select the past tense sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora ele estivesse lá...
Correct the phrase. Error Correction

Por mais que eu estudo, reprovo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Por mais que eu estude...
Complete with 'querer'. Fill in the Blank

Não vou, ainda que você ___.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: queira
Formal vs Informal. Multiple Choice

Which sounds more formal?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ainda que...
Translate 'Although it is late...' Translation

Embora ___ tarde...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: seja

Score: /12

FAQ (8)

The subjunctive signals that you are conceding a point, which is often hypothetical or uncertain.

Only if you are stating a very specific, established fact, but it is safer to use the subjunctive.

They are mostly interchangeable, though 'ainda que' can sound slightly more formal.

Use the imperfect subjunctive (e.g., 'Embora estivesse cansado, fui').

Yes, European Portuguese speakers use the indicative more often for facts.

You should learn the present subjunctive first, as it is the most common.

Yes, it implies 'even if' (a condition).

Yes, they are excellent for professional communication.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Aunque + subjuntivo

Portuguese uses future subjunctive more often.

French high

Bien que + subjonctif

French requires 'ne explétif' in some formal contexts.

German low

Obwohl + indicative

German does not use a mood shift for concession.

Japanese partial

~temo / ~demo

No verb conjugation for mood.

Arabic moderate

رغم أن (raghma anna)

Arabic does not use a subjunctive mood for this.

Chinese low

虽然 (suīrán)

No conjugation.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Portuguese Final Clauses: Expressing Purpose with Subjunctive (para que)
Next
Expressing Contrast: Although (Embora + Subjunctive)

Related Grammar Rules

C2

Portuguese Wishes and Regrets: Independent Subjunctive (Subjuntivo Independente)

Overview Have you ever seen a Portuguese sentence that starts with `Que` and ends with an exclamation mark, but seems to...
B2

Using 'Sem que': Without/Unless with Subjunctive

Overview `Sem que` is a fundamental subordinating conjunction in Portuguese, crucial for expressing actions that **fail...
B1

If I Have Time: The Future Subjunctive of 'Ter' (tiver)

Overview The Portuguese Future Subjunctive of `ter` (to have), specifically the form `tiver`, is a critical grammatical...
C1

Portuguese Time Limits: Using 'Até Que' (Until...)

Overview `Até que` in Portuguese functions as a crucial conjunction, establishing a temporal or conditional limit for an...
B2

Imperfect Subjunctive (The "If I Were" Tense)

Overview The Imperfect Subjunctive in Portuguese serves as a crucial grammatical tool for expressing actions, states, or...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!