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Questions & Answers about Eu convido-a para jantar.
What does the verb form "convido" mean and how is it used in this sentence?
"Convido" is the first person singular present tense of the verb convidar, which means "to invite." In the sentence "Eu convido-a para jantar," it translates as "I invite" and establishes who is performing the action.
Why is there a hyphen between "convido" and "a," and what does the attached -a indicate?
The hyphen is used to attach the clitic object pronoun -a directly to the verb. In this context, -a refers to a feminine object (it can mean "her" or formally "you" when addressing a woman) and follows the standard enclitic placement used in European Portuguese affirmative sentences.
What does the phrase "para jantar" mean, and what is its grammatical role in the sentence?
"Para jantar" is an infinitive phrase introduced by the preposition para, which indicates purpose. It translates to "for dinner" or "to dine." In the sentence, it explains the purpose of the invitation, specifying what the invite is for.
Could the object pronoun be positioned before the verb, as in "Eu a convido," and are both forms correct?
Yes, the object pronoun can sometimes appear before the verb as in "Eu a convido." However, in European Portuguese, especially in affirmative sentences, it is common to attach the pronoun to the end of the verb (enclisis), resulting in "convido-a." Both forms are grammatically acceptable, but the enclitic form is often preferred in formal writing and standard European Portuguese.
Is it necessary to include the subject pronoun "Eu" in the sentence, or can it be omitted?
In Portuguese, subject pronouns are frequently omitted because the verb conjugation already indicates the subject. Although "Eu" (meaning "I") can be dropped without losing meaning, it is sometimes included for emphasis or clarity, as seen in this sentence.
How does this construction reflect the style of formal invitation in European Portuguese?
The sentence "Eu convido-a para jantar" is concise and polite, reflecting a formal or semi-formal invitation style. The use of enclitic clitic pronoun attachment, the clear prepositional phrase "para jantar," and the explicit subject (when used) all contribute to an elegant and direct expression, which is typical in European Portuguese formal communication.