Breakdown of Não devo temer o exame oral, pois preparei-me bastante.
o exame
the exam
não
not
bastante
a lot
temer
to fear
oral
oral
pois
since
preparar-se
to prepare
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Questions & Answers about Não devo temer o exame oral, pois preparei-me bastante.
What does the modal verb “devo” express in the sentence?
“Devo” conveys a sense of obligation or advisability. In this context, it means “I should” or “I must not” fear the exam, suggesting that the speaker is confident because of their good preparation.
Why is the reflexive pronoun “-me” attached to “preparei” rather than preceding it?
In Portuguese (Portugal), in affirmative statements the object pronoun is typically attached to the end of the verb (a rule called enclisis). Thus “preparei-me” is the standard form instead of placing “me” before the verb.
What role does the conjunction “pois” play in the sentence?
“Pois” acts as a causal conjunction meaning “because” or “since.” It connects the main clause with the reason provided in the second clause, explaining why the speaker isn’t afraid of the exam.
How is the adjective “oral” correctly placed in relation to the noun “exame” in Portuguese?
In Portuguese, adjectives typically follow the noun they describe. Therefore, “exame oral” (literally “exam oral”) is the correct word order for “oral exam.”
What does “bastante” imply in this sentence?
“Bastante” means “sufficiently” or “a lot,” indicating that the speaker has prepared well enough for the oral exam.
Why is there a comma before “pois” in the sentence?
The comma separates the two clauses, marking a clear division between the main statement and the explanatory reason introduced by “pois.” This helps clarify that the second part is providing justification for the first.