Breakdown of Senhor, é urgente que tome uma decisão sobre esta proposta antes de parar a produção.
ser
to be
esta
this
antes de
before
uma
a
que
that
sobre
about
tomar
to take
parar
to stop
urgente
urgent
a decisão
the decision
o senhor
sir
a proposta
the proposal
a produção
the production
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Questions & Answers about Senhor, é urgente que tome uma decisão sobre esta proposta antes de parar a produção.
Why is the subjunctive mood used in the clause "que tome uma decisão"?
In Portuguese, when an expression of urgency, necessity, or desire is introduced, it’s common to use the subjunctive mood. Because "é urgente" (it is urgent) indicates something that is needed but not yet done or realized, the subjunctive form "tome" is used to show that the decision is desired rather than being stated as a fact.
Is "tome" a command, and how does its use differ from the imperative mood?
Although "tome" can resemble an imperative form, in this sentence it is actually the present subjunctive. It is used within a subordinate clause following "é urgente" to express a recommendation or necessity rather than directly commanding someone. The indicative form (or even the true imperative) would not convey the same nuance of urgency and expectation of an eventual decision.
What is the function and structure of the phrase "antes de parar a produção"?
The phrase "antes de parar a produção" functions as an adverbial phrase indicating a time condition. "Antes de" means "before," and it is followed by the infinitive "parar" (to stop). Together, they convey that the decision should be made prior to stopping production, emphasizing the timing of the action.
Why is there a comma after "Senhor" at the beginning of the sentence?
The comma after "Senhor" is used to set off the form of address from the rest of the sentence. In Portuguese—as in English—a greeting or direct address (like "Sir" or "Mr.") is typically separated by a comma to indicate that it is not grammatically linked to the rest of the sentence's structure.
Does the subject of "tome" refer to "Senhor," and how is formality maintained in this construction?
Yes, the subject of "tome" is implicitly the person being addressed, indicated by "Senhor." In Portuguese, addressing someone as "Senhor" is a formal and respectful way to refer to the individual. The use of the subjunctive form "tome" in this context further maintains the formality and diplomatically expresses the urgency for the decision to be made.