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Eu devo agir com cuidado.

Eu devo agir com cuidado.
I must act carefully.
FromLesson 12inHardcore Portuguese (Portugal)

Breakdown of Eu devo agir com cuidado.

eu
I
com
with
agir
to act
o cuidado
the care

Questions & Answers about Eu devo agir com cuidado.

What is the English translation of "Eu devo agir com cuidado"?
It translates to "I should act with care" or "I must act with care." This sentence expresses an obligation or recommendation to behave cautiously.
Why is the verb "agir" in its infinitive form after "devo"?
In Portuguese, modal verbs like "dever" (of which "devo" is the first-person singular present form) are followed by the main verb in the infinitive form. This construction is similar to English where after "should" you use the base form, as in "I should act."
What does the modal verb "devo" mean and how is it used in this sentence?
The word "devo" comes from "dever" and it conveys a sense of obligation, necessity, or advisability. In this sentence, "devo" means "I must" or "I should," implying that it is important to act with caution.
What is the role of the phrase "com cuidado" in the sentence?
The phrase "com cuidado" functions as an adverbial phrase. It literally means "with care," explaining how the action of acting ("agir") should be performed. It emphasizes the need to be cautious.
Could one alternatively use the adverb "cuidadosamente" to express the same idea?
Yes, using "cuidadosamente" is also correct and means "carefully." However, "com cuidado" is a common idiomatic expression in Portuguese and tends to emphasize the manner of acting with a focus on caution, while "cuidadosamente" simply describes the action as careful.
Why is the subject "Eu" explicitly stated, given that the verb form already indicates the subject?
In Portuguese, it’s common to omit the subject when the conjugation clearly indicates who is acting. In this sentence, "Eu" is added for emphasis or clarity, ensuring there is no ambiguity about who is responsible for acting with care.
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