Questions & Answers about A Ana mostra um exemplo.
Why is the article A used before Ana in this sentence?
In Portuguese, especially in Portugal, it is common to include a definite article before a proper name. Here, A is the feminine definite article that agrees with Ana. In English, we generally do not use an article before names, which is why this might seem unusual at first.
What does the verb mostra indicate in this sentence?
Mostra is the third person singular present tense form of the verb mostrar, which means to show. It agrees with the subject (A Ana) and indicates that the action is happening in the present.
Why is um exemplo preceded by um instead of a definite article like o?
The word um is an indefinite article in Portuguese, similar to a or an in English. It is used here because exemplo is being mentioned as an unspecified or general instance, rather than a specific, previously known example that would require the definite article o.
Is the sentence in the present or past tense?
The sentence is in the present indicative tense. The verb mostra confirms this by showing that the action of showing an example is occurring either as a habitual action or at this moment.
Can the sentence be correctly written without the article before Ana?
In European Portuguese, it is standard to use the definite article before proper names (thus A Ana). In Brazilian Portuguese, omitting the article (simply Ana mostra um exemplo) is more common. Therefore, while both forms exist, the sentence as given is correct according to the norm in Portugal.
More from this lesson
AI Language TutorTry it ↗
“What's the best way to learn Portuguese grammar?”
Portuguese grammar becomes intuitive with practice. Focus on understanding the core patterns first — how sentences are structured, how verbs change form, and how words relate to each other. Our course breaks these concepts into small lessons so you can build understanding step by step.
Sign up free — start using our AI language tutor
Start learning PortugueseMaster Portuguese — from A Ana mostra um exemplo to fluency
All course content and exercises are completely free — no paywalls, no trial periods.
- ✓ Infinitely deep — unlimited vocabulary and grammar
- ✓ Fast-paced — build complex sentences from the start
- ✓ Unforgettable — efficient spaced repetition system
- ✓ AI tutor to answer your grammar questions