Questions & Answers about O computador é moderno.
What does the article O indicate in the sentence O computador é moderno?
The article O is the masculine singular definite article in Portuguese. It signals that the noun computador is a specific, known entity and confirms its gender as masculine. Unlike English, where definite articles may sometimes be omitted, Portuguese almost always requires one before a concrete noun.
Why is the adjective moderno in its current form?
In Portuguese, adjectives must agree with the noun they modify in both gender and number. Because computador is a masculine singular noun, the adjective appears as moderno. If you were describing a feminine noun, the adjective would change to moderna.
What does the verb é represent in this sentence?
The verb é is the third-person singular present tense form of ser—the Portuguese equivalent of “to be.” It is used here to link the subject (computador) with its permanent, defining characteristic (moderno).
How does the sentence structure of O computador é moderno compare to English?
The sentence follows the Subject + Verb + Predicate structure, similar to English. In both languages, the order is: subject (O computador / The computer), linking verb (é / is), and predicate adjective (moderno / modern). This similarity makes the sentence structure relatively straightforward for English speakers.
Why is ser used instead of estar in this sentence?
Portuguese distinguishes between ser and estar for different types of “being.” Ser is used to express inherent, permanent qualities—such as being modern—while estar describes temporary states or conditions. Since the quality of being modern is considered an enduring characteristic of the computer, ser (and therefore é) is the proper choice.
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