Learn Hardcore Portuguese (Portugal): Graças a Pedro, eu posso estudar para o exame. - Thanks to Pedro, I can study for the exam.

Graças a translates to “thanks to” in English. It is used to indicate a positive cause or reason—crediting someone (in this case, Pedro) for making something possible. Unlike more neutral or negative causal phrases, graças a implies that the outcome is favorable.

Why is Pedro placed at the beginning of the sentence, and what does his mention imply?

Placing Pedro immediately after graças a emphasizes that he is the reason behind the speaker’s ability to study. The phrase Graças a Pedro attributes credit for the positive outcome (being able to study for the exam) directly to him, highlighting gratitude.

How is the modal verb poder used, and what does posso indicate here?

In the sentence, posso is the first-person singular present tense of the verb poder, which means “to be able to” or “can”. It shows that the speaker is capable of or permitted to study for the exam, suggesting that Pedro’s involvement created this opportunity.

What is the role of the phrase para o exame in the sentence?

Para o exame means “for the exam.” It specifies the purpose of the studying—the exam is the goal of the speaker’s efforts. The preposition para here indicates direction or intended use, effectively clarifying that the study is aimed at exam preparation.

Why is there a comma after Graças a Pedro, and what is its function in the sentence?

The comma after Graças a Pedro separates the introductory adverbial phrase from the main clause. This punctuation helps clarify that the gratitude expressed at the beginning relates specifically to the subsequent ability to study for the exam, enhancing readability and emphasizing the cause-effect relationship.