Eu bebo água em vez de café.

I drink water instead of coffee.

Breakdown of Eu bebo água em vez de café.

• eu: I
• o café: the coffee
• beber: to drink
• a água: the water
• em vez de: instead of

Questions & Answers about Eu bebo água em vez de café.

What does the verb bebo mean, and why is it conjugated that way?

Bebo is the first person singular present tense of the verb beber, which means "to drink." In this sentence, it indicates that the speaker (represented by Eu) is performing the action of drinking.

What is the function of the phrase em vez de in this sentence?

The phrase em vez de translates to "instead of." It serves to introduce a substitution; in this case, it tells us that water is being chosen in place of coffee.

Why are there no articles before água and café in the sentence?

In Portuguese, when referring to general substances or categories (like water or coffee), it’s common to omit definite articles. This approach conveys a general preference or habit rather than pointing out specific instances.

Are there any alternative expressions to em vez de, and why is em vez de preferred here?

Yes, an alternative is ao invés de. However, ao invés de is generally used when there is a clear opposition or contrasting situation, while em vez de is used for simple replacement or substitution. Since the sentence merely indicates a choice between two alternatives without highlighting conflict, em vez de is the more appropriate option.

Is it necessary to include the subject Eu in the sentence?

Not necessarily. Portuguese often allows the omission of subject pronouns because the verb conjugation already implies who is performing the action. However, including Eu can offer extra clarity or emphasis, which can be particularly helpful for learners.