Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Eu acho possível estudar sem distração. - I think it is possible to study without distraction.

Acho is the first-person singular form of the verb achar, which means “to think” or “to find.” In this sentence, it expresses the speaker’s opinion that studying without distraction is possible.

Why does the sentence omit a connector like que or a linking verb such as é compared to the usual English structure “I think it is possible…”?

In Portuguese, it’s common and perfectly acceptable to streamline sentences by omitting connectors when the meaning remains clear. Rather than saying "Eu acho que é possível estudar sem distração," the sentence uses "Eu acho possível estudar sem distração" to achieve a concise and fluent expression.

How does the adjective possível function in this construction?

Possível acts as a predicative adjective that directly qualifies the infinitive phrase estudar sem distração. It indicates that the action (studying without distraction) is achievable or feasible according to the speaker’s opinion. Unlike English, which often uses a dummy subject like “it,” Portuguese connects the adjective directly to the idea expressed by the infinitive.

Why is estudar used in its infinitive form instead of being conjugated?

The use of the infinitive estudar here indicates a general action without reference to a specific subject or time. In this structure, the infinitive functions as a complement to the adjective possível, conveying the general possibility of the action “to study without distraction.”

Could the sentence be rephrased with the connector and linking verb included, and would that change its meaning?

Yes, the sentence can be rephrased as "Eu acho que é possível estudar sem distração." Including que and é makes the structure more explicit (“I think that it is possible to study without distraction”), but both versions convey the same meaning. The choice depends on style and brevity.

Is the acho possível construction used here typical for both formal and informal contexts in Portuguese (Portugal)?

Absolutely. The construction is grammatically sound and is common in both written and spoken Portuguese. While omitting que and é can lend a more streamlined, informal feel, it is also acceptable in formal contexts, making it a versatile structure in European Portuguese.