Elon.io is an online learning platform
We have an entire course teaching Portuguese grammar and vocabulary.
Questions & Answers about O professor é honesto.
What is the structure of the sentence O professor é honesto. and how does it compare to English sentence structure?
The sentence follows a Subject-Verb-Predicate format that is very similar to English. O professor is the subject, é (a form of the verb ser) acts as the linking verb, and honesto is the predicate adjective that describes the professor.
Why is the definite article O used before professor in this sentence?
In Portuguese, it is common to use a definite article with a noun when referring to a specific or understood entity. O is the masculine singular definite article meaning "the," so O professor specifically indicates "the professor" and signals the gender of the noun.
How does the adjective honesto agree with professor in terms of gender and number?
Portuguese adjectives must match the noun they modify in both gender and number. Since professor is masculine and singular, the adjective is also in its masculine singular form (honesto). If the noun were feminine (e.g., a professora), the adjective would change to honesta.
What form of the verb ser is used in this sentence, and why is it appropriate here?
The verb form é is the third-person singular present indicative of ser. It is appropriate because it denotes a permanent or defining characteristic of the subject—in this case, expressing that the professor is inherently honest.
Why is the adjective honesto placed after the verb rather than before the noun?
In Portuguese, descriptive adjectives in a predicate position are typically placed after the linking verb (in this case, é). This placement emphasizes that honesty is an inherent quality of the professor. Although some adjectives can come before the noun in certain contexts, predicate adjectives are normally positioned after the verb to clearly describe the subject.
What role does the accent on é play in the sentence?
The accent on é serves two important purposes. First, it indicates that the vowel should be stressed, ensuring correct pronunciation. Second, it differentiates é (meaning "is") from e (which means "and"), thereby clarifying the verb form used in the sentence.