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Questions & Answers about O projeto é complexo.
What is the role of the verb é in this sentence?
The verb é is the third-person singular present form of ser, which translates to is. It links the subject (O projeto) to its inherent characteristic, indicating that being complex is an essential quality of the project.
Why is the adjective complexo in its masculine form?
The adjective complexo is masculine because it must agree with the noun projeto, which is masculine as marked by the article o. In Portuguese, adjectives always match the gender (and number) of the noun they describe.
Why is the definite article o used before projeto in this sentence?
In Portuguese, it is common to use a definite article with the noun to specify a particular entity. O projeto means the project, providing clarity that you are referring to a specific project rather than just any project.
Can I use estar instead of ser—for example, saying O projeto está complexo?
No, you should use ser in this case. Ser is applied to express inherent or permanent characteristics, while estar is used for temporary or changeable conditions. Since the complexity of the project is considered an intrinsic quality, é (from ser) is appropriate.
Does the position of the adjective affect the meaning of the sentence?
Yes, adjective placement can influence nuance in Portuguese. In O projeto é complexo, placing the adjective after the linking verb é properly attributes the quality to the subject. If the adjective were positioned differently (for example, before the noun in an attributive sense), it could alter the emphasis or even imply a different meaning in some contexts.