Breakdown of Por exemplo, uma ligação inesperada pode fazer-nos reagir de forma impulsiva, se estivermos distraídos.
de
of
estar
to be
uma
a
se
if
poder
to be able
a forma
the form
distraído
distracted
fazer
to make
nos
us
reagir
to react
por exemplo
for example
a ligação
the call
inesperado
unexpected
impulsivo
impulsive
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Questions & Answers about Por exemplo, uma ligação inesperada pode fazer-nos reagir de forma impulsiva, se estivermos distraídos.
What does "ligação" mean in this sentence?
In this context, "ligação" refers to a telephone call—specifically, an unexpected one. In Portugal, "ligação" is commonly used to denote a phone call rather than a connection or link in other non-telephone contexts.
Why is the pronoun "nos" attached to "fazer" (resulting in "fazer-nos") instead of being placed elsewhere?
In European Portuguese, when an infinitive follows a conjugated verb—as in "pode fazer"—the object pronoun is typically attached to the infinitive. This placement, known as enclisis, is standard in affirmative contexts, so "fazer-nos" means "make us" react.
What is the grammatical structure of "fazer-nos reagir"?
This is a causative construction. The verb "fazer" (to make/cause) is followed by the attached object pronoun "nos" (us) and then by the bare infinitive "reagir" (react). The structure literally means "make us react", indicating that one action (the unexpected call) causes another action (our reaction).
Why is the verb form "estivermos" in the subjunctive mood rather than the indicative?
The clause "se estivermos distraídos" is a conditional statement introduced by "se" (if). In Portuguese, conditions that are hypothetical or not yet realized require the subjunctive mood. Therefore, "estivermos" is in the present subjunctive to express the uncertainty of whether we might be distracted.
What does the adverbial phrase "de forma impulsiva" mean, and what is its function?
"De forma impulsiva" means "in an impulsive manner." It modifies the verb "reagir" (to react) by describing how the reaction occurs, emphasizing that the response is hasty or driven by impulsiveness.
What is the role of "por exemplo" at the beginning of the sentence?
"Por exemplo" translates to "for example." It signals that the sentence is providing an illustration or case that exemplifies a broader point, setting up the scenario with an unexpected call leading to an impulsive reaction when distracted.