Breakdown of Eu escrevo uma mensagem para o Pedro.
eu
I
Pedro
Pedro
escrever
to write
para
to
uma
a
a mensagem
the message
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Questions & Answers about Eu escrevo uma mensagem para o Pedro.
What does the verb escrevo mean, and what is its tense?
Escrevo is the first-person singular present form of the verb escrever, which means to write. It indicates that the speaker is writing as a current or habitual action.
What role does the indefinite article uma play in this sentence?
The word uma is an indefinite article equivalent to a in English. It shows that the speaker is writing one message, without specifying a previously known or unique message.
Why is the preposition para used before o Pedro?
Para is used to indicate the direction or recipient of the action. In this case, it signals that the message is addressed to Pedro.
Why is the definite article o used with the proper name Pedro in European Portuguese?
In European Portuguese, it is common to include a definite article before personal names, especially after certain prepositions like para. So o Pedro is the customary way to refer to Pedro in this context.
How is the sentence structured in terms of subject, verb, and objects?
The sentence follows a clear structure:
• Subject: Eu (I)
• Verb: escrevo (write)
• Direct Object: uma mensagem (a message)
• Indirect Object/Complement: para o Pedro (to Pedro)
This is a typical word order in Portuguese for a simple declarative sentence.
Is it always necessary to use the definite article before a personal name in European Portuguese?
Not always, but it is common—especially when the name follows a preposition like para. While some contexts or stylistic choices might omit the article, including it is standard in many cases in European Portuguese.