Breakdown of Se eu erguer o braço durante a aula, o professor talvez me deixe falar primeiro.
eu
I
falar
to speak
se
if
me
me
durante
during
o professor
the teacher
deixar
to let
primeiro
first
a aula
the class
erguer
to raise
o braço
the arm
talvez
perhaps
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Questions & Answers about Se eu erguer o braço durante a aula, o professor talvez me deixe falar primeiro.
What does the verb erguer mean in this sentence?
Erguer means “to raise.” In this context, it refers to raising your arm during class, similar to when you signal that you wish to speak.
Why is erguer used instead of forms like ergo or erga?
In Portuguese, conditional sentences that refer to future situations use the future subjunctive. “Se eu erguer o braço” employs the future subjunctive form of erguer, which is appropriate here because it describes a possible future action rather than a current statement of fact.
What role does the word talvez play in this sentence?
Talvez means “perhaps” or “maybe.” It introduces an element of uncertainty regarding the teacher’s reaction, indicating that it’s not guaranteed you’ll be allowed to speak first.
Why is the verb deixe in the subjunctive mood rather than the indicative?
After expressions of doubt or possibility like talvez, Portuguese typically requires the subjunctive mood. So, deixe (the present subjunctive form of “deixar”) is used to reflect that the teacher's action—letting you speak first—is uncertain.
Why is the object pronoun me placed before deixe?
In Portuguese, object pronouns are usually positioned before a conjugated verb. This rule of syntax explains why me comes before deixe rather than being attached to it.
How does the structure of this sentence convey a conditional or possible outcome?
The sentence is divided into two parts: a condition and a consequence. The “if” clause—Se eu erguer o braço durante a aula—sets the condition. The main clause—o professor talvez me deixe falar primeiro—presents a possible outcome that depends on that condition. This structure clearly expresses that raising your arm might lead to the teacher allowing you to speak first, but it isn’t a guaranteed result.