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Questions & Answers about O exame é fácil.
What is the function of the article O in the sentence O exame é fácil?
In Portuguese, O is the masculine singular definite article, equivalent to the in English. It specifies the noun exame (exam) as a particular, identifiable item.
Why does the adjective fácil have an accent mark?
The accent in fácil indicates that the primary stress falls on the first syllable. In Portuguese, most two-syllable words are naturally stressed on the last syllable, so the accent is necessary to signal an exception to this pattern and ensure correct pronunciation.
How does the adjective fácil agree with the noun exame?
In Portuguese, adjectives must agree with the noun they modify in gender and number. Exame is masculine singular, and fácil is used in the same form for both masculine and feminine singular contexts. For example, in the plural, it becomes fáceis (as in os exames são fáceis).
Is the sentence structure of O exame é fácil similar to English, and if so, how?
Yes, the structure is very similar. Both languages use a Subject + Verb + Predicate Adjective order. Here, O exame (subject), é (linking verb, equivalent to is), and fácil (predicate adjective) mirror the English sentence The exam is easy.
What role does the verb é play, and what is its grammatical function?
É is the third person singular present indicative form of the verb ser, which expresses inherent or defining characteristics. In this sentence, it connects the subject (O exame) with its quality (fácil), functioning as a linking verb that establishes what the exam is like.