C1 Advanced Syntax 17 min read Hard

Advanced Reporting Verbs (Not just 'Dizer')

Using precise reporting verbs like 'alegar', 'exigir', or 'sussurrar' instantly refines your tone and clarifies the speaker's intent.
Mark as Learned
Practice it

Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Elevate your speech by replacing generic 'dizer' with nuanced verbs like 'afirmar', 'alegar', 'assegurar', or 'sugerir' to convey precise intent.

  • Use 'afirmar' for strong, factual declarations: 'Ele afirmou que estava pronto.'
  • Use 'alegar' when reporting a claim that lacks proof: 'Ela alegou desconhecimento do fato.'
  • Use 'assegurar' to emphasize confidence or guarantee: 'O diretor assegurou que o projeto será concluído.'
Subject + Reporting Verb + (que/se) + Subordinate Clause

Overview

At a C1 proficiency level in Portuguese, your linguistic expression demands precision, nuance, and stylistic sophistication. Relying solely on dizer (to say) for all reporting reduces the impact and clarity of your message. Reporting verbs, known in Portuguese as verbos de elocução or verbos declarativos, are powerful tools that convey not just the content of a statement, but also the speaker's attitude, intention, and the manner in which the information was delivered.

These verbs are fundamental to advanced communication, allowing you to paint a more vivid and accurate picture of interactions and ideas.

The strategic use of these verbs avoids repetition and elevates your discourse, transforming generic statements into rich, contextually informed observations. They are integral to effective storytelling, persuasive argumentation, and precise academic writing. By choosing afirmar (to state) instead of dizer, you imply certainty; sugerir (to suggest) introduces an element of recommendation; negar (to deny) directly opposes a claim.

This linguistic choice directly reflects a higher command of the language, distinguishing a proficient speaker from one who merely communicates basic facts. Understanding their semantic implications and grammatical patterns is crucial for achieving true C1 mastery.

How This Grammar Works

Reporting verbs function as semantic bridges, connecting the original speaker or source to the reported content. Their utility extends beyond simple communication, enabling you to embed layers of meaning into your sentences. Each verb carries a specific illocutionary force, indicating whether the original utterance was a command, a question, a plea, a declaration, or an insinuation.
This makes the choice of reporting verb a crucial stylistic and semantic decision.
Syntactically, these verbs typically introduce a subordinate clause that contains the reported speech or thought. The nature of this subordinate clause—specifically its mood (indicative or subjunctive) and the type of conjunction or preposition used—is dictated by the main reporting verb. This relationship is not arbitrary; it reflects the degree of certainty, obligation, emotion, or cognitive process expressed by the main verb.
For instance, verbs expressing certainty or factual statements, like afirmar (to state) or constatar (to ascertain), generally introduce an indicative clause, as they report what is presented as a fact: Ele afirma que o projeto está no prazo (He states that the project is on schedule). Conversely, verbs expressing doubt, desire, command, or emotion often trigger the subjunctive mood in the subordinate clause, reflecting non-factuality or subjective judgment: A equipa sugere que se considere outra abordagem (The team suggests that another approach be considered). This intricate interplay between the reporting verb's meaning and the subordinate clause's mood is a cornerstone of advanced Portuguese syntax, allowing for precise expression of complex ideas and interpersonal dynamics.

Formation Pattern

1
The grammatical structure involving advanced reporting verbs varies significantly depending on the verb's inherent meaning and the intended nuance. Mastering these patterns is essential for accurate and natural expression. The most common structures involve a main clause with the reporting verb, followed by a subordinate clause or infinitive construction. The choice of connector—que, para, a preposition, or an interrogative pronoun—is intrinsically linked to the reporting verb.
2
Subject + Reporting Verb + que + Indicative Clause: This is used when the reporting verb expresses certainty, fact, or objective information. The indicative mood in the subordinate clause affirms the reported content as a perceived reality or fact. This pattern is common with verbs like afirmar (to affirm), declarar (to declare), garantir (to guarantee), constatar (to ascertain), mencionar (to mention), notar (to notice), observar (to observe), responder (to respond), saber (to know), ver (to see), entender (to understand), acreditar (to believe), parecer (to seem), and lembrar (to remember).
3
A diretora garante que as mudanças serão benéficas. (The director guarantees that the changes will be beneficial.)
4
Eles mencionaram que a reunião começa às dez. (They mentioned that the meeting starts at ten.)
5
Parece que o problema foi resolvido. (It seems that the problem was resolved.)
6
Subject + Reporting Verb + que + Subjunctive Clause: This pattern is employed when the reporting verb conveys desire, command, doubt, emotion, opinion (when subjective), or a lack of certainty regarding the reported event. The subjunctive mood signals that the action or state in the subordinate clause is not presented as a fact, but rather as something desired, possible, uncertain, or commanded. Verbs that typically trigger the subjunctive include sugerir (to suggest), pedir (to ask/request), exigir (to demand), aconselhar (to advise), recomendar (to recommend), insistir (to insist), duvidar (to doubt), ter medo (to be afraid), lamentar (to regret), querer (to want), ordenar (to order), proibir (to forbid), preferir (to prefer), esperar (to hope), impedir (to prevent).
7
O regulamento exige que todos os participantes estejam registados. (The regulation demands that all participants be registered.)
8
Ela sugere que ele fale com o departamento de RH. (She suggests that he speak with the HR department.)
9
Duvidamos que a solução seja simples. (We doubt that the solution is simple.)
10
Subject + Reporting Verb + Preposition + Infinitive / Noun: Some reporting verbs require specific prepositions, often followed by an infinitive verb (if the subject of the infinitive is the same as the main verb) or a noun. This structure is common for verbs indicating agreement, insistence, decision, or notification. The preposition integrates the reported action or item directly into the sentence structure. Common prepositions include a, de, em, com, para.
11
| Verb | Preposition | Example (Infinitive) | Example (Noun Phrase) |
12
| :--------------- | :---------- | :-------------------------------------------------- | :----------------------------------------------------- |
13
| concordar | com / em | Eu concordo em adiar a reunião. | Ele concorda com a decisão. |
14
| insistir | em | Ela insiste em pagar a conta. | Ele insiste na sua inocência. |
15
| decidir | a | Nós decidimos a implementar a proposta. | Eles decidiram a mudança de estratégia. |
16
| aconselhar | a | O médico aconselha a evitar açúcares. | Ele aconselha prudência. |
17
| preocupar-se | com / em | Ele preocupa-se em não falhar. | Ela preocupa-se com o futuro. |
18
| notificar | de | Fomos notificados de ter sido selecionados. | Eles notificaram-no da alteração. |
19
Subject + Reporting Verb + Interrogative (se/como/onde/quando/quem) + Clause: Used for reporting questions or inquiries. The interrogative word directly introduces the content of the question. These clauses typically use the indicative mood, as they report the fact of the question being asked. Verbs include perguntar (to ask), questionar (to question), indagar (to inquire), saber (to know), investigar (to investigate).
20
Ela perguntou se ele estaria disponível. (She asked if he would be available.)
21
Nós indagamos onde o evento iria acontecer. (We inquired where the event would take place.)
22
O repórter questionou como os fundos seriam geridos. (The reporter questioned how the funds would be managed.)
23
Direct Object + Infinitive: A less common but important construction, especially with verbs like mandar (to order), deixar (to let), fazer (to make), ver (to see), ouvir (to hear), where the reporting verb takes a direct object followed by an infinitive. The direct object is the agent of the infinitive action.
24
Ele mandou o estagiário preparar o relatório. (He ordered the intern to prepare the report.)
25
Eu deixei-o sair mais cedo. (I let him leave earlier.)
26
Vimos o carro a passar a fronteira. (We saw the car crossing the border.) (PT-EU prefers a + infinitive, PT-BR passando or que passava)

When To Use It

Advanced reporting verbs are indispensable for adding depth, clarity, and authority to your Portuguese. They are not merely alternatives to dizer; they are tools for conveying precise meaning in diverse communicative contexts. Integrating them into your active vocabulary signifies a move beyond basic reporting to nuanced expression, characteristic of a C1 learner.
In academic and professional writing, these verbs are paramount. Instead of repetitive phrases like o texto diz, you can employ o autor argumenta que (the author argues that), a pesquisa demonstra que (the research demonstrates that), o estudo sugere que (the study suggests that), os dados indicam que (the data indicates that), or a teoria postula que (the theory postulates that). This not only avoids monotony but also precisely describes the function of the original statement within the discourse.
For example, rather than O artigo diz que a economia cresceu, a C1 speaker would write O artigo analisa que a economia cresceu ou conclui que a economia cresceu. (The article analyzes that the economy grew or concludes that the economy grew.)
In debates and persuasive communication, these verbs allow you to accurately represent opposing viewpoints or emphasize your own. Refutar (to refute), contestar (to dispute), admitir (to admit), negar (to deny), proclamar (to proclaim), or apoiar (to support) all carry strong rhetorical weight. A oposição refuta as alegações do governo (The opposition refutes the government's allegations) is far more impactful than A oposição diz que as alegações do governo não são verdadeiras.
These choices shape perception and guide the listener's interpretation of the reported information.
For literary analysis and storytelling, these verbs are crucial for depicting character actions, motivations, and emotional states without explicit descriptions. A character doesn't just dizer; they might murmurar (to murmur), exclamar (to exclaim), implorar (to beg), ameaçar (to threaten), confessar (to confess), troçar (to mock), or lamentar (to lament). O herói murmurou que não havia esperança (The hero murmured that there was no hope) immediately reveals his despair, whereas disse would be neutral.
In reviewing film or book plots, you would use verbs like o protagonista descobre que (the protagonist discovers that) or a personagem principal revela que (the main character reveals that).
In social media and informal communication, while dizer or falar are common, strategic use of advanced verbs can add humor, irony, or emphasis. When reporting a friend's unlikely story, you might playfully say, Ele jura que viu um OVNI (He swears he saw a UFO). In urgent messages, O chefe insiste que entreguemos isto hoje (The boss insists we deliver this today) conveys urgency more effectively than o chefe diz.
Ultimately, the application of these verbs transcends mere grammar; it becomes a stylistic choice that imbues your Portuguese with sophistication and allows you to communicate with greater precision and impact. You utilize them whenever the manner or intent of communication is as important as its content.

Common Mistakes

Even C1 learners often stumble with advanced reporting verbs, usually due to assumptions based on dizer or direct translation from their native language. Avoiding these common pitfalls is key to achieving native-like fluency and precision.
  1. 1The Subjunctive Trap vs. Indicative Certainty: A frequent error is misapplying the subjunctive mood. While many reporting verbs do trigger the subjunctive (especially those expressing desire, doubt, command, or emotion), an equally significant number demand the indicative. This distinction hinges on whether the reporting verb conveys certainty/factuality or uncertainty/subjectivity/volition regarding the subordinate clause.
  • Mistake: Ele afirma que o projeto seja um sucesso. (Incorrect: afirmar expresses certainty, requires indicative)
  • Correction: Ele afirma que o projeto é um sucesso. (He affirms that the project is a success.)
  • Mistake: Ela duvida que ele faz isso. (Incorrect: duvidar expresses doubt, requires subjunctive)
  • Correction: Ela duvida que ele faça isso. (She doubts that he does that.)
Remember: verbs of cognitive certainty (acreditar, saber, ver, ter a certeza) generally take the indicative, while verbs of emotion, desire, doubt, or command (querer, preferir, esperar, duvidar, exigir, lamentar) take the subjunctive. Verbs like dizer or escrever can take either, depending on the speaker's intent: Ele disse que vem (He said he's coming - presented as fact) vs. Ele disse que venhas (He told you to come - command).
  1. 1Prepositional Amnesia: Many reporting verbs are inherently transitive or require specific prepositions to link to their objects or subordinate clauses. Forgetting or misusing these prepositions is a tell-tale sign of a non-native speaker.
  • Mistake: Eu concordo o plano. (Incorrect: concordar requires com for a direct object or em for an infinitive)
  • Correction: Eu concordo com o plano. (I agree with the plan.) OR Eu concordo em implementar o plano. (I agree to implement the plan.)
  • Mistake: Ele insiste para sair. (Incorrect: insistir requires em)
  • Correction: Ele insiste em sair. (He insists on leaving.)
There is no universal rule; each verb must be learned with its required preposition, if any. Pay close attention to verbs like depender de, avisar de, persuadir a, esquecer-se de.
  1. 1Overusing Falar (especially in PT-BR): While falar is very common in Brazilian Portuguese for general to say/speak, particularly in informal contexts, its overuse in formal writing or specific reporting situations can sound imprecise or overly casual. European Portuguese uses falar primarily for to speak (e.g., a language), preferring dizer for to say.
  • Casual (PT-BR): Ele falou que não podia vir. (He said he couldn't come.)
  • More precise/formal: Ele mencionou que não podia vir. (He mentioned that he couldn't come.) or Ele informou que não podia vir. (He informed that he couldn't come.)
In a C1 context, strive for the more specific verb. While falar is acceptable in many casual reporting instances in PT-BR, knowing when to replace it with comentar, mencionar, declarar, or explicar demonstrates greater linguistic sophistication.
  1. 1Inappropriate Tone/Register: Selecting a verb with too strong or too weak an illocutionary force for the context. Using implorar (to beg) when pedir (to ask) would suffice, or sentenciar (to sentence/declare definitively) when observar (to observe) is more appropriate, can alter the intended message dramatically.
  • Mistake: O professor implorou aos alunos que fizessem o trabalho de casa. (Unless the professor was truly desperate, pedir or recomendar would be better.)
  • Correction: O professor pediu aos alunos que fizessem o trabalho de casa. (The professor asked the students to do their homework.)

Real Conversations

To truly master advanced reporting verbs, you must observe and emulate their usage in authentic, contemporary Portuguese. These verbs are not confined to academic texts; they permeate daily communication, adding layers of meaning to everything from casual chats to professional exchanges. Understanding their contextual application is what distinguishes a C1 learner.

In text messages and social media (WhatsApp, Instagram, X), reporting verbs are often used to succinctly convey someone's strong feeling or insistence. Contractions and colloquialisms are common, but the underlying reporting verb retains its force.

- Ela reclamou que a internet tá lenta. (She complained that the internet is slow.)

- Ele insiste pra gente sair hoje. (He insists that we go out today – pra instead of para que is common in informal PT-BR).

- Aquele post sugere que há novidades vindo aí. (That post suggests that there are novelties coming.)

In professional emails and meetings, precision is paramount. Reporting verbs help attribute information correctly and define the nature of communication. This is where the distinction between informar, comunicar, solicitar, and aconselhar becomes critical.

- Gostaria de informar que o projeto foi aprovado. (I would like to inform you that the project has been approved.)

- A equipa de vendas solicita que a entrega seja antecipada. (The sales team requests that the delivery be brought forward.)

- O gestor aconselha a rever o plano de contingência. (The manager advises reviewing the contingency plan.)

When describing an event or recounting a story verbally, advanced reporting verbs add dynamism and credibility. They allow you to characterize the speaker's original intent or emotion, making your narration more engaging.

- Ele confessou que tinha medo do escuro quando era criança. (He confessed that he was afraid of the dark as a child.)

- A testemunha assegurou que viu tudo claramente. (The witness assured that she saw everything clearly.)

- Eles argumentam que a política atual é insustentável. (They argue that the current policy is unsustainable.)

C

Cultural Note

In both PT-PT and PT-BR, the use of these verbs subtly reflects social dynamics. For instance, exigir (to demand) often implies a position of authority, while implorar (to beg) suggests vulnerability. Choosing the appropriate verb also helps you navigate politeness and assertiveness in communication, which is crucial for effective interaction in any Portuguese-speaking context. Pay attention to how native speakers use these verbs to gauge the social implications and register of their communication.

Quick FAQ

Q: What's the main difference between using dizer que and other reporting verbs with que?

Dizer que is a neutral reporting verb, simply stating that something was said. Other reporting verbs, such as afirmar que, negar que, sugerir que, or exigir que, add specific layers of meaning about the speaker's intent, certainty, or the nature of the statement. Afirmar implies conviction, negar implies contradiction, sugerir implies a recommendation, and exigir implies a command. These verbs are not interchangeable if you aim for precision.

Q: Does Portuguese use a sequence of tenses rule for reporting verbs?

Yes, when the main reporting verb is in a past tense (e.g., Ele disse que...), the tense of the subordinate clause often shifts. For example, Eu disse que iria (I said I would go). However, the focus of this C1 topic is primarily on the Present Indicative reporting verbs, where the subordinate clause's tense is often more straightforward, reflecting the current reality or action reported: Ele diz que está cansado (He says he is tired). When the reporting verb is in the present, the reported action or state typically maintains its natural tense.

Q: Are there significant differences between European Portuguese (PT-PT) and Brazilian Portuguese (PT-BR) regarding these verbs?

The verbs themselves and their core meanings are generally the same across both variants. The main differences lie in stylistic preferences and sometimes in the choice of prepositions or infinitive constructions:

  • Object Pronoun Placement: PT-PT often prefers enclisis (pronoun after the verb) with reporting verbs, especially in positive main clauses, while PT-BR favors proclisis (pronoun before the verb): Ele mandou-o sair (PT-PT) vs. Ele o mandou sair (PT-BR) (He ordered him to leave).
  • Preposition + Infinitive vs. Subjunctive Clause: For some verbs expressing command or influence, PT-PT might use mandar alguém fazer algo (send someone to do something), while PT-BR often uses mandar que alguém faça algo: Ele mandou o empregado sair (PT-PT) vs. Ele mandou que o empregado saísse (PT-BR) (He ordered the employee to leave).
  • Falar Usage: As mentioned, falar is more widely used in PT-BR for to say, while PT-PT generally reserves it for to speak.
These are subtle nuances but important for distinguishing regional styles and achieving native-like expression.
Q: Can I use these verbs in imperative sentences?

Generally, reporting verbs are used in declarative or interrogative sentences to report speech. You wouldn't typically use a reporting verb in an imperative sentence directly. However, you can report a command using an imperative, e.g., Ele mandou: "Sai já!" (He ordered: "Leave now!") or Ele exigiu que saias já! (He demanded that you leave now!). The reporting verb itself is not in the imperative mood. The imperative form can be the content of what is being reported.

Q: How do I know which preposition to use with a verb?

This is one of the most challenging aspects. There isn't a simple rule; it requires memorization and extensive exposure. Verbs like concordar can take com for agreement with a person/thing or em for agreement on an action. Avisar typically takes de when followed by a clause or noun about the warning (avisar de algo), but a when followed by an infinitive (avisar a alguém para fazer algo). The best approach is to learn each verb with its common prepositional complements through practice and reference, making mental notes of patterns like verbo + de + infinitivo or verbo + a + infinitivo.

Reporting Verb Structures

Verb Mood Trigger Nuance
Afirmar
Indicativo
Factual
Alegar
Indicativo
Duvidoso
Sugerir
Subjuntivo
Conselho
Assegurar
Indicativo
Certeza
Ordenar
Subjuntivo
Comando

Meanings

Advanced reporting verbs are used to introduce indirect speech, providing specific context about the speaker's tone, certainty, or intent.

1

Declarative

Verbs used to state facts or opinions clearly.

“Ele afirmou que não sabia.”

“Ela declarou seu apoio à causa.”

2

Doubt/Uncertainty

Verbs used when the speaker is skeptical or the information is unverified.

“O suspeito alegou inocência.”

“Eles insinuaram que houve fraude.”

3

Command/Suggestion

Verbs used to report instructions or advice.

“O médico recomendou que ele descansasse.”

“O chefe ordenou que saíssem.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Advanced Reporting Verbs (Not just 'Dizer')
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Sub + Verb + que + Ind
Ele afirmou que virá.
Negative
Sub + não + Verb + que + Ind
Ele não afirmou que viria.
Question
Verb + Sub + que + ...?
Afirmou ele que viria?
Subjunctive
Sub + Verb + que + Subj
Ele sugeriu que venhamos.
Doubt
Sub + Alegar + que + Ind
Ele alegou que era verdade.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
O réu alegou inocência.

O réu alegou inocência. (Legal reporting)

Neutral
O réu disse que é inocente.

O réu disse que é inocente. (Legal reporting)

Informal
O cara falou que não fez nada.

O cara falou que não fez nada. (Legal reporting)

Slang
O maluco jurou que não foi ele.

O maluco jurou que não foi ele. (Legal reporting)

Reporting Verb Spectrum

Reporting Verbs

Certainty

  • Assegurar Assure

Neutral

  • Dizer Say

Doubt

  • Alegar Allege
Sign up free to read full explanation

Examples by Level

1

Ele disse que está cansado.

He said he is tired.

1

Ela perguntou se eu quero ir.

She asked if I want to go.

1

O professor sugeriu que estudássemos.

The teacher suggested we study.

1

O gerente confirmou que a reunião mudou.

The manager confirmed the meeting changed.

1

O réu alegou que não estava lá.

The defendant alleged he wasn't there.

1

O cientista corroborou a hipótese inicial.

The scientist corroborated the initial hypothesis.

Easily Confused

Advanced Reporting Verbs (Not just 'Dizer') vs Dizer vs. Falar

Learners often use them interchangeably.

Common Mistakes

✗

Ele diz que venha.

✓

Ele diz que vem.

A1 learners often over-apply subjunctive.
✗

Ela perguntou que eu quero.

✓

Ela perguntou o que eu quero.

Missing the object pronoun.
✗

Ele sugeriu que ele vem.

✓

Ele sugeriu que ele venha.

Failure to use subjunctive after suggestion.
✗

Ele alegou que é verdade.

✓

Ele alegou que era verdade.

Tense sequence in reported speech.

Sentence Patterns

O ___ afirmou que ___.

Real World Usage

Journalism constant

O jornal afirmou que a crise acabou.

Sign up free to see all examples
💡

Use variety

Don't stick to 'dizer'. Your writing will improve instantly.

Smart Tips

Use 'sustentar' for a strong opinion.

Ele disse que a ideia é boa. → Ele sustenta que a ideia é boa.

Pronunciation

a-fir-MAR

Stress

Ensure the final syllable is stressed in verbs like 'afirmar'.

Declarative

Ele afirmou que sim. ↘

Finality

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Remember 'A-A-S': Afirmar (Fact), Alegar (Doubt), Sugerir (Advice).

Visual Association

Imagine a judge (Assegurar), a detective (Alegar), and a mentor (Sugerir) standing in a row.

Rhyme

Para ser preciso e não errar, use o verbo certo ao relatar.

Story

O detetive alegou que o crime ocorreu. O juiz assegurou que a lei seria aplicada. O advogado sugeriu que o réu falasse a verdade.

Word Web

AfirmarAlegarAssegurarSugerirReiterarConfirmar

Challenge

Write 3 sentences about your day using a different reporting verb for each.

Cultural Notes

Brazilians often use 'falar' instead of 'dizer' in informal speech.

Derived from Latin roots like 'affirmare'.

Conversation Starters

“

O que você alegou na última vez que se atrasou?

Journal Prompts

Report a recent news story using at least three advanced reporting verbs.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Sign up free to see all tips

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Ele ___ que não sabia de nada.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: afirmou
Afirmar is a reporting verb.

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Ele ___ que não sabia de nada.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: afirmou
Afirmar is a reporting verb.

Score: /1

Practice Bank

10 exercises
Choose the verb that implies secrecy. Fill in the Blank

Ele ___ o segredo no meu ouvido.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: sussurra
Which verb triggers the Subjunctive (uncertainty/influence)? Multiple Choice

Select the verb that usually requires the Subjunctive mood:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: duvidar (to doubt)
Match the reporting verb to its typical context. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Gritar :: Anger\/Urgency","Murmurar :: Complaint\/Quiet","Indagar :: Formal Question","Fofocar :: Gossip"]
Arrange the words to form a formal statement. Sentence Reorder

o / admite / erro. / O / relatório

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O relatório admite o erro.
Find the preposition error. Error Correction

Eles concordam de pagar a metade.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Eles concordam em pagar a metade.
Translate 'She denies knowing him'. Translation

Translate: She denies knowing him.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Ela nega conhecê-lo.
Fill in the verb for 'warning'. Fill in the Blank

A polícia ___ sobre o perigo na estrada.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: adverte
Which sentence expresses a command/request? Multiple Choice

Identify the sentence where the reporting verb influences the outcome:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O guia recomenda que usemos sapatos confortáveis.
Correct the mood after 'exigir'. Error Correction

O chefe exige que nós somos pontuais.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: O chefe exige que nós sejamos pontuais.
Choose the verb for 'asking' in a formal context. Fill in the Blank

O jornalista ___ ao ministro sobre a crise.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: indaga

Score: /10

FAQ (1)

After verbs of influence like 'sugerir' or 'ordenar'.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

Sign up free to practice

In Other Languages

Spanish high

Afirmar/Alegar

Subjunctive usage is almost identical.

French high

Affirmer/Alléguer

French uses 'que' similarly.

German moderate

Behaupten

German grammar is more rigid.

Japanese low

To iu

No mood changes.

Arabic low

Qala

Different sentence order.

Chinese low

Shuo

No mood or tense markers.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Omitting Repeated Words (Elipse & Zeugma)

Learn These First

B2 Requires

Indirect Speech (He said that...)

Overview Indirect speech, or `Discurso Indireto` in Portuguese, is a fundamental grammatical structure used to report wh...

Related Videos

Romance Languages: syntax of compound & passive sentences 6:40 YouTube

Romance Languages: syntax of compound & passive sentences

NativLang
Build Longer, Natural Portuguese Sentences (Here’s How!) 6:44 YouTube

Build Longer, Natural Portuguese Sentences (Here’s How!)

Mia Esmeriz Academy

Related Grammar Rules

C1

Omitting Repeated Words (Elipse & Zeugma)

Overview Ever caught yourself listening to a native Portuguese speaker and wondering where half the words went? It is no...
C2

Mastering Rhetorical Repetition (Repetição Retórica)

Overview Ever wondered why some Netflix monologues give you chills? Or why that one LinkedIn post went viral? It is not...
C1

Unreal Hypotheses: Dreams and Regrets (se eu fosse, eu faria)

Overview The **Unreal Hypotheses** in Portuguese, often encapsulated by the structure `se eu fosse, eu faria` (if I were...
B2

Reported Speech in the Past (Ele disse que...)

Overview Reporting what someone else said, thought, or commanded is a fundamental aspect of communication. In Portuguese...
B2

Future in the Past: Reporting What Someone 'Would' Do (Iria)

Overview Ever promised a friend you'd call them back, but then your phone died and you forgot? Or maybe you're recountin...
Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

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