Preciso de decorar estas fórmulas de matemática para o teste.

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Breakdown of Preciso de decorar estas fórmulas de matemática para o teste.

• precisar de: to need
• esta: this
• para: for
• decorar: to memorize
• a fórmula: the formula
• o teste: the test

Questions & Answers about Preciso de decorar estas fórmulas de matemática para o teste.

What is the literal English translation of the sentence "Preciso de decorar estas fórmulas de matemática para o teste"?

It translates to "I need to memorize these math formulas for the test."
Here, preciso means "I need," de decorar means "to memorize," estas fórmulas de matemática means "these math formulas," and para o teste means "for the test."

Why is the preposition de used after preciso in this sentence?

In European Portuguese, when using the verb precisar with an infinitive verb, the preposition de is typically inserted before the infinitive. Therefore, preciso de decorar is the standard form in Portugal. In Brazilian Portuguese, you might more often hear preciso decorar without the extra de.

What does the verb decorar mean in this context?

In this context, decorar means "to memorize" or "to commit to memory." Although decorar can also mean "to decorate" in other contexts (such as decorating a room), the subject matter—math formulas for a test—makes it clear that it is being used to mean memorizing.

What role does the demonstrative adjective estas play in the sentence?

Estas translates to "these" in English. It is a demonstrative adjective that specifies which formulas are meant and agrees in gender and number with fórmulas (feminine plural). It highlights that the speaker is referring to particular formulas known to both speaker and listener.

How does para o teste function within the sentence?

Para o teste means "for the test" and explains the purpose of memorizing the formulas. It tells us that the memorization is being undertaken in preparation for an upcoming test, indicating the reason behind the action.

Can this sentence be rephrased using an alternative verb construction to express necessity?

Yes, you could also use "Tenho de decorar estas fórmulas de matemática para o teste." This translates to "I have to memorize these math formulas for the test." Both preciso de and tenho de convey a sense of necessity, although the choice between them can depend on factors like regional variations and personal preference.