Se ele recolher os brinquedos, podemos sair mais cedo.
If he picks up the toys, we can leave earlier.
Breakdown of Se ele recolher os brinquedos, podemos sair mais cedo.
ele
he
mais cedo
earlier
se
if
sair
to leave
poder
to be able
o brinquedo
the toy
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Questions & Answers about Se ele recolher os brinquedos, podemos sair mais cedo.
What does se mean and what is its function in this sentence?
Se means if. In this sentence, it introduces the conditional clause that establishes a condition for the main statement.
Why is the verb recolher used instead of a present indicative form?
Recolher is conjugated in the future subjunctive—a verb form used in Portuguese (Portugal) to express conditions related to future or uncertain events. This form indicates that the action of collecting the toys is hypothetical and has not yet happened.
What is the significance of using the future subjunctive mood in this context?
The future subjunctive is used to describe events that are expected to occur under a condition. In this sentence, it clarifies that if he collects the toys (a possible future event), then the result mentioned in the main clause will happen.
What does the phrase os brinquedos translate to in English?
Os brinquedos translates to the toys.
How does podemos sair mais cedo relate to the condition set by the first clause?
Podemos sair mais cedo means we can leave earlier. It is the result or consequence that will take place if the condition stated in the first clause (if he collects the toys) is met.
What overall sentence structure is being used here?
The sentence employs a conditional structure, where the first part (introduced by se) sets a condition and the second part expresses the outcome that depends on that condition.