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Questions & Answers about Eu estou disponível para ajudar.
What is the role of the verb estar in “Eu estou disponível para ajudar”?
The verb estar is used to express temporary states or conditions in Portuguese. In this sentence, it indicates that the speaker’s availability is a current state rather than an inherent, permanent characteristic. Using estar instead of ser emphasizes that being available is a situational condition.
Why does the adjective disponível remain the same regardless of gender or number?
Some adjectives in Portuguese, like disponível, are invariant between masculine and feminine in the singular form. In this sentence, it describes the subject Eu without needing any changes, making it straightforward for speakers regardless of the speaker’s gender.
What function does the preposition para serve in the phrase para ajudar?
The preposition para introduces the purpose or intention behind the action. In para ajudar, it connects the speaker’s availability to the objective of giving help, much like saying “to help” in English.
How does “Eu estou disponível para ajudar” compare with “Eu posso ajudar” in meaning?
While both sentences offer help, they emphasize different aspects. Eu estou disponível para ajudar highlights that the speaker is free or ready to assist, focusing on availability as a temporary state. In contrast, Eu posso ajudar emphasizes the ability or capability to help. The choice between them depends on whether you wish to stress your readiness or your competence.
How similar is the sentence structure of “Eu estou disponível para ajudar” to its English equivalent “I am available to help”?
The structure is very similar. Both sentences include a subject, a form of the verb “to be” (with estou equivalent to “am”), an adjective describing the subject, and an infinitive phrase indicating purpose. This parallel structure makes the sentence relatively easy to understand for native English speakers learning Portuguese.
How can I express the same idea in different tenses, such as past or future?
To express availability in other tenses, simply change the form of estar. For example, in the past you would say "Eu estava disponível para ajudar" (I was available to help), and in the future "Eu estarei disponível para ajudar" (I will be available to help). The adjective disponível and the infinitive ajudar remain unchanged.