Breakdown of O uso do computador ajuda-me a estudar.
de
of
estudar
to study
me
me
o computador
the computer
ajudar
to help
o uso
the use
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Questions & Answers about O uso do computador ajuda-me a estudar.
What is the literal translation of “O uso do computador ajuda-me a estudar”?
It literally translates to “The use of the computer helps me study.” This means that using the computer is beneficial for studying.
Why is the pronoun “me” attached to the verb (“ajuda‐me”) instead of appearing before it, as in “me ajuda”?
In European Portuguese, it is typical in affirmative declarative sentences to attach the clitic pronoun to the end of the verb (enclisis). In contrast, Brazilian Portuguese often prefers placing the pronoun before the verb (proclisis). This sentence follows the European Portuguese norm by using “ajuda‐me.”
What does the contraction “do” signify in the phrase “O uso do computador”?
“Do” is a contraction of de (of) and o (the). Thus, “do computador” means “of the computer,” specifying that the use being mentioned is related to that particular computer.
What role does the phrase “a estudar” play in this sentence?
“A estudar” is an infinitive phrase that acts as the complement to the verb “ajuda‐me.” It explains the activity that is being helped by the use of the computer—in other words, it tells us that the computer helps the speaker to study.
What is the verb tense and conjugation of “ajuda,” and how does it agree with the rest of the sentence?
“Ajuda” is in the simple present indicative form of the verb ajudar (to help) and is conjugated in the third person singular. It agrees with the singular subject “o uso” (the use), indicating a general or habitual fact about the usefulness of the computer in aiding study.