B2 Prepositions & Connectors 11 min read Medium

Portuguese Concessive Connectors: 'Even though' & 'Despite' (Embora, Apesar de)

Use concessive connectors to acknowledge obstacles while emphasizing that the main action still occurs, usually requiring the subjunctive.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'Embora' with a verb (subjunctive) and 'Apesar de' with a noun or infinitive verb to express contrast.

  • Embora + Subjunctive verb: Embora chova, vou sair.
  • Apesar de + Noun: Apesar da chuva, vou sair.
  • Apesar de + Infinitive: Apesar de chover, vou sair.
Embora + [Clause/Subjunctive] ⚡ Apesar de + [Noun/Infinitive]

Overview

Concessive connectors in Portuguese, such as embora and apesar de, allow you to acknowledge a contrasting or hindering fact without letting it prevent the main action. They establish a relationship where one idea, the concession, might logically oppose another, the result, yet the result still occurs. This linguistic mechanism moves beyond simple conjunctions like mas to express a more sophisticated "yes, but it doesn't matter" dynamic.

Mastering these structures is fundamental for advanced Portuguese speakers (B2 CEFR). They enable you to articulate complex arguments, express nuanced opinions, and engage in sophisticated discussions by acknowledging opposing viewpoints while maintaining your primary statement. This skill enhances communicative precision, moving your Portuguese from basic factual reporting to expressing intricate relationships between ideas.

For instance, you might say, Embora o projeto seja ambicioso, a equipe está determinada a concluí-lo. (Even though the project is ambitious, the team is determined to complete it.) or Apesar das dificuldades, ele persistiu e alcançou seu objetivo. (Despite the difficulties, he persisted and achieved his goal.).

How This Grammar Works

Concessive clauses function as adverbial clauses, modifying the main clause by indicating a circumstance that, despite its potential to impede, does not prevent the action or state described in the main clause. The core principle driving these structures is the defiance of expectation. You acknowledge a potential counter-argument or obstacle, but emphasize that it does not alter the outcome.
This defiance is primarily expressed through the choice of verb mood in the concessive clause.
Many concessive connectors, particularly embora, ainda que, and mesmo que, almost invariably demand the subjunctive mood. This is crucial. The subjunctive here does not primarily convey uncertainty, but rather non-assertion or concession.
The speaker "grants" the truth or possibility of the subordinate clause's statement for the sake of argument, acknowledging it as a fact or hypothesis, without asserting it as the primary, definite reality. The main clause then asserts the definitive action or state that occurs despite this conceded fact. For example, in Embora esteja chovendo, vamos caminhar, esteja chovendo is acknowledged but not the central assertion; the focus is on vamos caminhar.
Conversely, connectors like apesar de typically require an infinitive (personal or impersonal) or a noun phrase. When apesar de is followed by an infinitive, especially an impersonal one, the concession is presented without a strongly asserted subject, simplifying the clause. If the subject of the infinitive is explicit and different from the main clause, the personal infinitive is used.
For instance, Apesar de estar cansado, ele continuou. (Despite being tired, he continued.) uses the impersonal infinitive, while Apesar de eles estarem ausentes, a reunião prosseguiu. (Despite them being absent, the meeting continued.) uses the personal infinitive.
In some informal European Portuguese contexts, se bem que may be followed by the indicative mood, presenting the concession as a more asserted fact, but still maintaining the defiance of expectation. This is an exception and generally not applicable to the main concessive connectors at this level. The distinction between these moods underscores the subtle semantic differences and levels of assertion conveyed within the concessive relationship.
Understanding this underlying logic of assertion and non-assertion is key to correctly applying these connectors.

Formation Pattern

1
Forming concessive clauses requires careful attention to the connector and the verb form it governs. The choice of connector dictates whether you use the subjunctive, infinitive, or a noun phrase. Precision in these patterns is a hallmark of B2-level Portuguese proficiency.
2
1. Connectors Requiring the Subjunctive Mood:
3
This is the most common group for expressing concession with a verbal clause. These connectors explicitly signal that the action or state in the subordinate clause is being conceded or granted rather than asserted as a primary fact. The formula is [Connector] + [Subject (optional, if clear from context)] + [Verb in Subjunctive] + [Main Clause].
4
| Connector | Meaning | Example | Translation |
5
|-------------|-------------------|----------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------|
6
| Embora | Even though, although | Embora chova, vou sair. | Even though it rains, I'm going out. |
7
| Ainda que | Even though, even if | Ainda que ela não venha, faremos a festa. | Even if she doesn't come, we'll have the party. |
8
| Mesmo que | Even if, even though | Mesmo que me proíbam, eu irei. | Even if they forbid me, I will go. |
9
| Posto que | Even though (formal/archaic) | Posto que a decisão pareça justa, discordo. | Even though the decision seems fair, I disagree. |
10
| Conquanto | Although (very formal/literary) | Conquanto a tarefa seja árdua, não desisto. | Although the task is arduous, I don't give up. |
11
Note on Mesmo que: In Brazilian Portuguese, mesmo que is highly versatile and often used even for factual concessions where embora or ainda que might be preferred in more formal contexts or European Portuguese. Mesmo que seja tarde, vou te ligar. (Even though it's late, I'll call you.) is very common.
12
2. Connectors Requiring the Infinitive or a Noun Phrase:
13
This group offers a way to express concession without conjugating a verb in the subordinate clause, making it a simpler construction when the context allows. Apesar de is the most prominent here.
14
With Impersonal Infinitive (same subject as main clause):
15
Formula: Apesar de + [Impersonal Infinitive] + [Main Clause]
16
Example: Apesar de estar cansado, fui trabalhar. (Despite being tired, I went to work.)
17
With Personal Infinitive (explicit subject, often different from main clause):
18
Formula: Apesar de + [Subject] + [Personal Infinitive] + [Main Clause]
19
Example: Apesar de eles estarem ocupados, nos ajudaram. (Despite them being busy, they helped us.)
20
With a Noun Phrase:
21
Formula: Apesar de + [Determiner/Article] + [Noun Phrase] + [Main Clause]
22
Example: Apesar da chuva, o evento foi um sucesso. (Despite the rain, the event was a success.)
23
| Structure | Meaning | Example | Translation |
24
|-----------------------------------|-------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------------------------------------------|
25
| Apesar de + Impersonal Inf. | Despite (doing) | Apesar de não concordar, aceitei a proposta. | Despite not agreeing, I accepted the proposal. |
26
| Apesar de + Personal Inf. | Despite (someone doing) | Apesar de o sol estar forte, estava frio. | Despite the sun being strong, it was cold. |
27
| Apesar de + Noun | Despite the (noun) | Apesar do trânsito, chegamos a tempo. | Despite the traffic, we arrived on time. |
28
| Não obstante (formal) + Noun | Notwithstanding the (noun) | Não obstante as objeções, a lei foi aprovada. | Notwithstanding the objections, the law was approved. |
29
3. The Gerund Pattern (Common in Brazilian Portuguese):
30
This construction uses mesmo followed by a gerund, providing a concise way to express concession, particularly in informal and semi-formal Brazilian Portuguese.
31
Formula: Mesmo + [Gerund] + [Main Clause]
32
Example: Mesmo sabendo a verdade, ele se calou. (Even knowing the truth, he kept silent.)
33
Clause Order and Punctuation:
34
Concessive clauses can either precede or follow the main clause. When the concessive clause comes first, it is standard practice to separate it with a comma. This improves readability and is grammatically preferred.
35
Embora estivesse doente, foi ao trabalho. (Concessive clause first, with comma)
36
Foi ao trabalho, embora estivesse doente. (Main clause first, no comma needed before embora if it's tightly integrated, but a comma is acceptable for clarity.)

When To Use It

Concessive connectors are indispensable for adding depth and complexity to your Portuguese, allowing you to express nuanced relationships where expectations are defied. They are not merely alternatives to mas but tools for sophisticated expression at the B2 level and beyond. You will employ these structures whenever you need to acknowledge a counter-argument, an obstacle, or a conflicting fact that does not ultimately prevent an action or state.
1. Expressing Polite Disagreement or Criticism:
These connectors allow you to soften disagreement by first acknowledging the other party's point before stating your contrasting view. This is invaluable in professional and academic settings.
  • Embora o seu argumento seja válido, discordo da sua conclusão final. (Although your argument is valid, I disagree with your final conclusion.)
  • Ainda que compreenda suas razões, não posso apoiar essa decisão. (Even though I understand your reasons, I cannot support that decision.)
2. Justification and Explanation:
Use concessive clauses to explain an outcome that occurred despite adverse circumstances or to justify an action.
  • Apesar de ter dormido pouco, consegui manter o foco na reunião. (Despite having slept little, I managed to stay focused in the meeting.)
  • Mesmo que o prazo fosse apertado, entregamos o projeto com alta qualidade. (Even though the deadline was tight, we delivered the project with high quality.)
3. Highlighting Resolve or Determination:
When you want to emphasize that an action will proceed regardless of obstacles, concessive connectors are perfect.
  • Mesmo que chova, vou correr hoje. (Even if it rains, I'm going for a run today.)
  • Apesar dos desafios financeiros, eles conseguiram abrir o próprio negócio. (Despite the financial challenges, they managed to open their own business.)
4. Describing Unexpected Outcomes:
These structures are ideal for situations where an event transpired contrary to logical expectation.
  • Ainda que a previsão do tempo fosse de sol, começou a nevar. (Even though the weather forecast was for sun, it started to snow.)
5. Formal vs. Informal Contexts and Regional Nuances:
  • Formal/Academic: Embora, ainda que, and apesar de are universally appropriate. For very formal or literary writing, you might encounter posto que or conquanto, but these are generally avoided in modern spoken or professional contexts.
  • General Use: Embora, ainda que, and apesar de are versatile for both formal and informal communication.
  • Brazilian Portuguese Informal: Mesmo que is exceedingly common and often replaces embora even for factual concessions in casual speech. Mesmo que eu não goste, vou comer para não desperdiçar. (Even though I don't like it, I'll eat it not to waste it.)
  • European Portuguese Informal: Se bem que is frequently used in spoken European Portuguese, often followed by the indicative. Se bem que está tarde, vou ligar para ela. (Even though it's late, I'll call her.) This is a notable exception to the subjunctive rule for many other concessive clauses.
The strategic application of these connectors allows you to convey not just facts, but also your attitude towards those facts, adding a layer of sophisticated meaning that enriches your Portuguese communication significantly.

Common Mistakes

Concessive connectors, while powerful, are frequent sources of error for B2 learners. Recognizing and understanding the underlying reasons for these mistakes is crucial for achieving native-like fluency and precision.
1. The Subjunctive-Indicative Confusion:
This is the most prevalent error. Learners often mistakenly use the indicative mood after embora, ainda que, or mesmo que. This is fundamentally incorrect in standard Portuguese because these connectors specifically demand the non-assertive nature of the subjunctive.
  • Incorrect: Embora ele está doente, foi trabalhar. (The indicative está asserts the illness as a primary fact, which clashes with the concessive intent.)
  • Correct: Embora ele esteja doente, foi trabalhar. (The subjunctive esteja concedes the illness, allowing the main clause to defy this obstacle.)
2. Misusing Apesar de que:
While apesar de que exists in very informal spoken Brazilian Portuguese, it is generally considered non-standard and should be avoided in formal writing and by learners aiming for B2 proficiency. The standard form is apesar de followed by an infinitive or a noun phrase.
  • Incorrect (for B2 level): Apesar de que ele estava cansado, continuou.
  • Correct: Apesar de estar cansado, ele continuou. (Infinitive)
  • Alternatively (with subjunctive): Embora ele estivesse cansado, continuou.
3. Incorrect Contraction with Apesar de:
When apesar de is followed by a noun, the preposition de must contract with the subsequent article or demonstrative (o, a, os, as, este, essa, etc.). Failing to do so is a common and noticeable error.
  • Incorrect: Apesar de a chuva, saímos.
  • Correct: Apesar da chuva, saímos. (de + a = da)
  • Incorrect: Apesar de o problema, resolveremos.
  • Correct: Apesar do problema, resolveremos. (de + o = do)
Important Nuance: When apesar de is followed by an explicit subject and then a personal infinitive, the contraction depends on whether the subject itself starts with an article. Apesar de o João estar atrasado... (Despite João being late...). Here, o belongs to João, not the infinitive, so de does not contract with it unless João were an implicit or generic noun.
4. Redundancy with Mas:
Avoid combining a concessive connector with mas in the same sentence. This creates redundancy, as both convey contrast.
  • Incorrect: Embora ele seja rico, mas não é feliz.
  • Correct: Embora ele seja rico, não é feliz. (Use only the concessive connector)
  • Alternatively: Ele é rico, mas não é feliz. (Use only mas)
5. Misinterpreting Posto que:
Historically, posto que could mean since (causal) or even though (concessive). In modern standard Portuguese, its primary meaning is concessive. Using it in a causal sense will likely confuse native speakers.
  • Ambiguous/Incorrect: Posto que ele chegou tarde, não vimos o início. (Could imply

Concessive Structure Formation

Connector Followed By Mood/Form Example
Embora
Clause
Subjunctive
Embora chova
Apesar de
Noun
N/A
Apesar da chuva
Apesar de
Verb
Infinitive
Apesar de chover

Contractions of 'Apesar de'

Preposition Article Result
Apesar
o
Apesar do
Apesar
a
Apesar da
Apesar
os
Apesar dos
Apesar
as
Apesar das

Meanings

These connectors introduce a concession, indicating that an action happens despite a contrary circumstance.

1

Concessive Clause

Used to introduce a clause that contrasts with the main statement.

“Embora seja tarde, vamos continuar.”

“Embora ele não saiba, eu comprei o presente.”

2

Prepositional Phrase

Used to introduce a noun or infinitive verb that contrasts with the main statement.

“Apesar do cansaço, ele trabalhou.”

“Apesar de estar doente, ela foi trabalhar.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Portuguese Concessive Connectors: 'Even though' & 'Despite' (Embora, Apesar de)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Embora + Subj.
Embora seja tarde.
Affirmative
Apesar de + Noun
Apesar do frio.
Affirmative
Apesar de + Inf.
Apesar de estar frio.
Negative
Embora + não + Subj.
Embora não queira.
Negative
Apesar de + não + Inf.
Apesar de não querer.
Question
Embora + Subj. + ?
Embora ele saiba, por que não diz?
Question
Apesar de + Noun + ?
Apesar do medo, você vai?
Variation
Mesmo que + Subj.
Mesmo que chova, vou.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Embora seja tarde, terminarei o trabalho.

Embora seja tarde, terminarei o trabalho. (Work/Study)

Neutral
Embora seja tarde, vou terminar o trabalho.

Embora seja tarde, vou terminar o trabalho. (Work/Study)

Informal
Mesmo sendo tarde, vou terminar.

Mesmo sendo tarde, vou terminar. (Work/Study)

Slang
Tá tarde, mas vou terminar mesmo assim.

Tá tarde, mas vou terminar mesmo assim. (Work/Study)

Concessive Connectors Map

Concession

Verbs

  • Embora Even though

Nouns

  • Apesar de Despite

Embora vs Apesar de

Embora
Embora seja Even though it is
Apesar de
Apesar do Despite the

Choosing the right connector

1

Is it a verb?

YES
Use Embora + Subjunctive
NO
Use Apesar de + Noun/Infinitive

Usage Categories

👔

Formal

  • • Embora
  • • Conquanto
💬

Informal

  • • Apesar de
  • • Mesmo que
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Examples by Level

1

Embora seja cedo, vou dormir.

Even though it is early, I am going to sleep.

2

Apesar da chuva, saí.

Despite the rain, I went out.

3

Embora esteja frio, vou nadar.

Even though it is cold, I will swim.

4

Apesar do trabalho, estou feliz.

Despite the work, I am happy.

1

Embora ele fale português, prefere inglês.

Even though he speaks Portuguese, he prefers English.

2

Apesar de estar cansada, ela estudou.

Despite being tired, she studied.

3

Embora não goste, vou comer.

Even though I don't like it, I will eat.

4

Apesar do preço, comprei o carro.

Despite the price, I bought the car.

1

Embora estivesse chovendo, fomos à praia.

Even though it was raining, we went to the beach.

2

Apesar de ter estudado, ele falhou.

Despite having studied, he failed.

3

Embora saibamos a verdade, não falamos.

Even though we know the truth, we don't speak.

4

Apesar da dificuldade, terminamos.

Despite the difficulty, we finished.

1

Embora o governo prometa mudanças, nada muda.

Even though the government promises changes, nothing changes.

2

Apesar de todas as evidências, ele nega.

Despite all the evidence, he denies it.

3

Embora seja uma tarefa difícil, farei.

Even though it is a difficult task, I will do it.

4

Apesar do atraso, a reunião foi produtiva.

Despite the delay, the meeting was productive.

1

Embora se reconheça a importância do tema, faltam recursos.

Even though the importance of the topic is recognized, resources are lacking.

2

Apesar de ter sido alertado, ele persistiu.

Despite having been warned, he persisted.

3

Embora pareça simples, a teoria é complexa.

Even though it seems simple, the theory is complex.

4

Apesar da sua relutância, ele aceitou o cargo.

Despite his reluctance, he accepted the position.

1

Embora conquanto a situação seja precária, mantemos a calma.

Even though the situation is precarious, we remain calm.

2

Apesar de não obstante os riscos, avançamos.

Despite the risks, we advance.

3

Embora se possa argumentar o contrário, os dados são claros.

Even though one might argue the opposite, the data is clear.

4

Apesar da sua inegável competência, ele foi preterido.

Despite his undeniable competence, he was overlooked.

Easily Confused

Portuguese Concessive Connectors: 'Even though' & 'Despite' (Embora, Apesar de) vs Embora vs Mesmo que

Learners think they are interchangeable.

Portuguese Concessive Connectors: 'Even though' & 'Despite' (Embora, Apesar de) vs Apesar de vs Apesar de que

Learners add 'que' to 'apesar de'.

Portuguese Concessive Connectors: 'Even though' & 'Despite' (Embora, Apesar de) vs Subjunctive vs Indicative

Learners use indicative after 'embora'.

Common Mistakes

✗

Embora a chuva

✓

Apesar da chuva

Embora needs a verb.
✗

Apesar de chove

✓

Apesar de chover

Apesar de needs an infinitive.
✗

Embora chove

✓

Embora chova

Embora needs subjunctive.
✗

Apesar que chove

✓

Embora chova

Apesar que is not standard.
✗

Embora o cansaço

✓

Apesar do cansaço

Embora needs a verb.
✗

Apesar de ele vai

✓

Apesar de ele ir

Apesar de needs infinitive.
✗

Embora ele vai

✓

Embora ele vá

Embora needs subjunctive.
✗

Embora ele foi

✓

Embora ele fosse

Embora needs imperfect subjunctive for past.
✗

Apesar de que ele foi

✓

Embora ele fosse

Use 'embora' for clauses.
✗

Embora ter ido

✓

Embora tenha ido

Embora needs a full clause.
✗

Embora a ser feito

✓

Embora seja feito

Embora needs a conjugated verb.
✗

Apesar de que seja

✓

Embora seja

Apesar de que is clunky.
✗

Embora o fato de ser

✓

Embora seja

Keep it simple.
✗

Apesar de ele ser

✓

Apesar de ele ser (correct, but check if 'embora' is better)

Style choice.

Sentence Patterns

Embora ___ (verb), eu vou.

Apesar ___ (noun), eu vou.

Apesar de ___ (verb), eu vou.

Embora ___ (past verb), eu fui.

Real World Usage

Social Media very common

Embora seja difícil, não vou desistir!

Texting common

Apesar da chuva, vamos?

Job Interview common

Embora eu não tenha experiência, aprendo rápido.

Travel occasional

Apesar do atraso, o voo saiu.

Food Delivery occasional

Apesar da demora, a comida estava boa.

Academic Writing constant

Embora os resultados sejam inconclusivos, a tendência é clara.

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💡

Subjunctive Check

If you see 'embora', check if the verb is in the subjunctive. If it's not, you might have made a mistake.
⚠️

No Nouns with Embora

Never put a noun directly after 'embora'. Use 'apesar de' instead.
🎯

Contractions

Always contract 'apesar de' with articles (do, da, dos, das). It sounds much more natural.
💬

Regional Preference

In Brazil, 'mesmo que' is a great, natural-sounding alternative to 'embora' in casual conversation.

Smart Tips

Use 'embora' to show you can handle complex sentence structures.

O projeto é bom. Mas tem erros. → Embora o projeto seja bom, tem erros.

Use 'mesmo que' or 'apesar de' to sound more natural.

Embora eu esteja cansado, vou sair. → Mesmo cansado, vou sair.

Switch to 'apesar de' + noun to avoid the subjunctive.

Embora ele fale... → Apesar da fala dele...

Use 'embora' to clearly separate the concession from the main point.

Ele foi, apesar de estar doente. → Embora estivesse doente, ele foi.

Pronunciation

/ẽˈboɾɐ/

Embora

Stress on the second syllable: em-BO-ra.

/apeˈzaɾ/

Apesar

Stress on the last syllable: a-pe-ZAR.

Rising-Falling

Embora chova ↗, vou sair ↘.

The rising tone on the clause shows the contrast.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Embora needs a verb, like a 'B' in 'Embora' for 'B'erb (Verb).

Visual Association

Imagine a bridge. 'Embora' is the long bridge (clause) and 'Apesar de' is the short, sturdy stepping stone (noun).

Rhyme

Embora com verbo, o subjuntivo vem, apesar de com nome, tudo bem!

Story

Maria wanted to go to the park. Embora estivesse chovendo (clause), she went. Apesar da chuva (noun), she wore a raincoat. Apesar de estar molhada (infinitive), she was happy.

Word Web

EmboraApesar deSubjuntivoInfinitivoConcessãoContraste

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about your day: one with 'Embora', one with 'Apesar de' + noun, and one with 'Apesar de' + infinitive.

Cultural Notes

Brazilians often use 'mesmo que' or 'apesar de' in casual speech instead of 'embora'.

European Portuguese speakers use 'embora' more frequently in formal writing.

In academic papers, 'conquanto' is a highly valued synonym for 'embora'.

Embora comes from 'em boa hora' (in a good hour).

Conversation Starters

“

Embora você esteja cansado, o que você faria hoje?

“

Apesar de todos os problemas, você gosta de morar aqui?

“

Embora a tecnologia ajude, você acha que ela atrapalha?

“

Apesar de ser difícil aprender português, você continua?

Journal Prompts

Write about a goal you have. Use 'Embora' to mention a challenge.
Describe your favorite city. Use 'Apesar de' to mention something you don't like.
Reflect on a past mistake. Use 'Embora' to explain what you learned.
Discuss a recent news event. Use 'Apesar de' to contrast two facts.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form.

Embora ___ (ser) tarde, vou sair.

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

___ chuva, fomos ao parque.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Apesar da
Apesar da is followed by a noun.
Find the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Embora a chuva, fomos sair.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora
Embora needs a verb, not a noun.
Change to 'Apesar de'. Sentence Transformation

Embora esteja cansado, vou trabalhar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Apesar de estar cansado
Apesar de + infinitive is the correct structure.
Match the connector to its requirement. Match Pairs

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

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Subj, 2-Noun
Embora takes a clause, Apesar de takes a noun.
Reorder the words. Sentence Building

trabalhar / apesar / de / ele / ir / vai

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele vai trabalhar, apesar de ir.
Correct word order.
Choose the correct verb form. Multiple Choice

Embora ele ___ (falar) muito, não entendo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fale
Subjunctive is required.
Fill in the blank.

Apesar ___ (o) problema, resolvemos.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: do
Apesar + o = do.

Score: /8

Practice Exercises

8 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form.

Embora ___ (ser) tarde, vou sair.

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

___ chuva, fomos ao parque.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Apesar da
Apesar da is followed by a noun.
Find the error. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Embora a chuva, fomos sair.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora
Embora needs a verb, not a noun.
Change to 'Apesar de'. Sentence Transformation

Embora esteja cansado, vou trabalhar.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Apesar de estar cansado
Apesar de + infinitive is the correct structure.
Match the connector to its requirement. Match Pairs

Match: 1. Embora, 2. Apesar de

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: 1-Subj, 2-Noun
Embora takes a clause, Apesar de takes a noun.
Reorder the words. Sentence Building

trabalhar / apesar / de / ele / ir / vai

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ele vai trabalhar, apesar de ir.
Correct word order.
Choose the correct verb form. Multiple Choice

Embora ele ___ (falar) muito, não entendo.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: fale
Subjunctive is required.
Fill in the blank.

Apesar ___ (o) problema, resolvemos.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: do
Apesar + o = do.

Score: /8

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct connector. Fill in the Blank

____ tenha estudado muito, ele não passou na prova.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora
Reorder the words to form a correct sentence. Sentence Reorder

estivesse / embora / cansado / ele / trabalhou / muito

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct.
Translate to Portuguese: 'Even if it rains, I will go.' Translation

Even if it rains, I will go.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Mesmo que chova, eu irei.
Which connector is the most formal? Multiple Choice

Select the most formal connector:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Conquanto
Match the connector to the verb form it usually takes. Match Pairs

Match them up:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora - Subjunctive, Apesar de - Infinitive, Mesmo - Gerund
Fix the error in this WhatsApp message. Error Correction

Apesar que eu cheguei tarde, vi o filme.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Apesar de eu ter chegado tarde, vi o filme.
Fill in the blank. Fill in the Blank

Ainda que ____ (ser) difícil, nós vamos conseguir.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: seja
Which sentence is natural for an Instagram caption? Multiple Choice

Pick the most natural social media style:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Embora estivesse frio, a praia estava ótima!
Reorder the words. Sentence Reorder

ter / apesar / de / dormido / pouco / estou / bem

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Both are correct.
Translate: 'Despite the noise, I slept.' Translation

Despite the noise, I slept.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Apesar do barulho, dormi.

Score: /10

FAQ (8)

No, 'embora' must be followed by a verb in a clause. Use 'apesar de' for nouns.

No, 'apesar de' is followed by a noun or an infinitive verb, so it does not use the subjunctive.

It is neutral but can sound slightly more formal than 'mesmo que' in casual speech.

It is a common variant, but 'embora' is usually preferred for better style.

Yes, use the imperfect subjunctive (e.g., 'embora estivesse').

They mean the same, but 'conquanto' is much more formal and literary.

Yes, it is very common in all Portuguese-speaking countries.

It depends on the gender of the noun that follows (e.g., 'do' for masculine, 'da' for feminine).

Scaffolded Practice

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Aunque

Spanish uses 'a pesar de que' more frequently than Portuguese uses 'apesar de que'.

French high

Bien que

French structure is more rigid regarding the subjunctive.

German moderate

Obwohl

German does not have a subjunctive requirement for this connector.

Japanese partial

〜にもかかわらず

Japanese grammar is agglutinative, unlike the analytical Portuguese structure.

Arabic moderate

على الرغم من

Arabic requires specific case endings depending on the noun.

Chinese partial

虽然...但是...

Chinese requires the 'but' (但是) part, which is redundant in Portuguese.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Portuguese 'While' & 'As Long As' (Enquanto)
Next
Formal Contrasts: Beyond 'Mas' (No entanto, Contudo)

Learn These First

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