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Questions & Answers about Eu gosto de leitura.
What is the role of the preposition de in the sentence “Eu gosto de leitura”?
In Portuguese, the verb gostar (“to like”) requires the preposition de when followed by a noun or an infinitive verb. Thus, in “Eu gosto de leitura,” de connects the verb with its object. Without this preposition, the sentence would be ungrammatical.
Why is the noun leitura used instead of the verb ler, and what is the difference in meaning?
The noun leitura means “reading” as a concept or activity, while the verb ler means “to read.” When you say “Eu gosto de leitura,” you emphasize an appreciation for reading in general—as an idea or hobby—whereas “Eu gosto de ler” directly expresses that you like the act of reading. Both are correct, but each emphasizes a slightly different nuance.
Is it acceptable to omit the subject pronoun Eu in this sentence?
Yes, it is quite common in Portuguese to drop the subject pronoun since the verb ending already indicates the subject. While “Eu gosto de leitura” is perfectly clear, many native speakers simply say “Gosto de leitura” in everyday conversation. As a learner, including Eu can help reinforce subject–verb agreement until you become more confident with the language.
Why isn’t there a definite article before leitura (e.g., “a leitura”)?
In Portuguese, when referring to a general activity or concept in an abstract sense, it is common to omit the definite article. Although you might sometimes see “Eu gosto da leitura” (with da being the contraction of de + a), “Eu gosto de leitura” is a valid and idiomatic way to express enjoyment of reading as a whole idea rather than referring to a specific instance of it.
What is the grammatical gender of leitura, and does it affect the sentence structure?
Leitura is a feminine noun. If an article or adjective were used, it would need to agree with the feminine gender (for example, a leitura or leitura interessante). In the sentence “Eu gosto de leitura,” no article or adjective is present, so while the gender is important for agreement, it doesn’t change the structure of this sentence.
Are both “Eu gosto de leitura” and “Eu gosto de ler” equally acceptable, and when might one be preferred over the other?
Yes, both forms are acceptable. “Eu gosto de ler” uses the infinitive verb to directly state “I like to read” and is very common in everyday conversation. “Eu gosto de leitura” uses the noun to highlight the general concept or culture of reading. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and what nuance you wish to convey.