Breakdown of Eu tenho um hábito de estudar para o exame.
eu
I
um
a
de
of
ter
to have
estudar
to study
para
for
o exame
the exam
o hábito
the habit
Questions & Answers about Eu tenho um hábito de estudar para o exame.
What does the sentence Eu tenho um hábito de estudar para o exame. mean in English?
It translates to "I have a habit of studying for the exam." This means that studying for the exam is a regular or customary activity for the speaker.
Why is the preposition de used in um hábito de estudar?
In Portuguese, when you describe a habit linked to an action, the structure "hábito de + [infinitive]" is used. The preposition de connects the noun hábito with the action estudar in its infinitive form, similar to saying "habit of studying" in English.
Why is estudar in the infinitive form rather than conjugated?
After expressions like "hábito de", Portuguese requires the verb to be in the infinitive. This construction indicates that the action (studying) is a general habit rather than a specific instance of activity, much like the use of the gerund in English (studying).
What is the role of the phrase para o exame in the sentence?
Para o exame specifies the purpose or target of the habit. It clarifies that the studying habit is related to preparing for the exam, similar to adding a purpose clause in English.
Would it be acceptable to say Eu tenho o hábito de estudar para o exame instead of um hábito?
Yes, both are grammatically correct. Using um hábito suggests that studying for the exam is one among several habits, while o hábito implies it is a specific, noteworthy habit. The choice depends on the nuance you wish to convey.
Does this structure follow typical Portuguese grammar for expressing habitual actions?
Absolutely. The structure "Eu tenho um hábito de [infinitive verb]" is a common and natural way in Portuguese to express that someone regularly engages in a particular activity, much like how native speakers describe habits in English.
More from this lesson
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Portuguese grammar?”
Portuguese grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.
Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor
Start learning PortugueseMaster Portuguese — from Eu tenho um hábito de estudar para o exame to fluency
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.
- ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
- ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
- ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
- ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions