Breakdown of Podemos depender ainda mais do Pedro se ele ganhar mais do que nós.
Pedro
Pedro
de
of
ele
he
nós
we
poder
to be able to
mais
more
se
if
ganhar
to earn
depender
to depend
ainda mais
even more
do que
than
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Questions & Answers about Podemos depender ainda mais do Pedro se ele ganhar mais do que nós.
What is the overall structure and meaning of the sentence "Podemos depender ainda mais do Pedro se ele ganhar mais do que nós"?
The sentence translates roughly to “We can depend even more on Pedro if he earns more than us.” It consists of a main clause (“Podemos depender ainda mais do Pedro”) expressing a capability or possibility, and a conditional clause (“se ele ganhar mais do que nós”) that sets a condition under which that possibility is enhanced.
Why is the verb "ganhar" used in the clause "se ele ganhar mais do que nós" instead of a form like "ganhe"?
In Portuguese (Portugal), the form "ganhar" in this context is the future subjunctive. This specific mood is used in conditional sentences introduced by "se" to refer to a future event that is uncertain. For regular verbs, the future subjunctive often has the same form as the infinitive, which is why "ganhar" is used here.
How does the construction "Podemos depender" work grammatically in this sentence?
The construction uses the modal verb "podemos" (we can/are able to) followed by the infinitive "depender" (depend). This is a common structure in Portuguese to express ability, possibility, or permission. It indicates that we are capable of depending on someone—in this case, Pedro—under a given condition.
What is the role of the phrase "ainda mais" in the sentence?
The phrase "ainda mais" functions as an intensifier, meaning "even more." It highlights an increase in degree, emphasizing that under the specified condition, our capacity or willingness to depend on Pedro is significantly greater.
Why is Pedro introduced by "do" rather than just "Pedro" in the sentence?
In Portuguese, the verb "depender" requires the preposition "de". When "de" combines with the definite article "o" (used with the proper noun Pedro), they contract to form "do". Thus, "do Pedro" means "of Pedro" or "on Pedro," indicating the person we are depending on.
What does the comparative phrase "mais do que nós" indicate in the conditional clause?
The phrase "mais do que nós" establishes a comparison, meaning "more than us" (or more precisely, "more than we do"). It sets the condition that Pedro must earn more than we do for the enhanced dependence to hold, making his higher earnings the key factor in this hypothetical scenario.