Comparing with Complete Clauses
When you want to compare a situation to an entire action or thought—like saying a predator is faster "than the prey realizes"—the structure is straightforward.
Use a comparative word like mais (more), menos (less), or melhor (better), followed by do que (than), and then your complete clause with a conjugated verb.
| The leopard is swifter than the prey realizes. | O leopardo é mais veloz do que a presa percebe. |
| Thanks to the camouflage, this predator hunts better than we think. | Graças à camuflagem, este predador caça melhor do que pensamos. |
Comparing Actions and Abilities
You can also use this structure to compare how actions are performed. Just place adverbial phrases like mais depressa (faster) or com mais força (with more force) right before do que.
| We see the seal swim faster than we can walk. | Vemos a foca nadar mais depressa do que conseguimos andar. |
| The crocodile bites with more force than the seal can withstand. | O crocodilo morde com mais força do que a foca consegue aguentar. |
Expectations Versus Reality
Wildlife documentaries often contrast what happens in nature with what we expect. Use this comparative structure with verbs like parecer (to seem) or achar (to think/believe) to express these observations.
| The crocodile is less fierce than it seems. | O crocodilo é menos feroz do que parece. |
| The leopard is faster than you think. | O leopardo é mais veloz do que tu achas. |
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