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Eu contorno o trânsito usando outra rua.

Eu contorno o trânsito usando outra rua.
I bypass traffic using another street.
FromLesson 15inHardcore Portuguese (Portugal)

Breakdown of Eu contorno o trânsito usando outra rua.

eu
I
a rua
the street
usar
to use
outro
another
o trânsito
the traffic
contornar
to bypass

Questions & Answers about Eu contorno o trânsito usando outra rua.

What does contorno mean in this sentence?
Contorno is the first-person singular form of the verb contornar, which means to bypass or to circumvent. In this context, it indicates that the speaker avoids the traffic.
What role does the gerund usando play here?
Usando is the gerund form of usar (to use) and functions as an adverbial phrase. It explains the method by which the speaker bypasses the traffic—namely, by using another street.
Why is the definite article o used before trânsito?
In Portuguese, trânsito is a masculine noun. The definite article o (meaning "the") is used to specify that it is referring to a particular or general concept of traffic, much like when we say "the traffic" in English.
Does the sentence describe a habitual action or just a one-time occurrence?
Since the sentence is in the present indicative (Eu contorno), it can imply a habitual action or a general practice. The context usually determines whether it's a regular method to avoid traffic or a description of what the speaker is doing right now.
Is the word order in this sentence typical for Portuguese?
Yes, the sentence follows a common structure in Portuguese. The subject Eu comes first, followed by the verb contorno, then the direct object o trânsito. The additional phrase usando outra rua is placed after the main clause to provide further details about how the action is performed.
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