Describing nouns with infinitives (a + infinitive)

Pending tasks: Noun + a + infinitive

To describe tasks waiting to be done, like "matters to complete" or "paperwork to review," place the preposition a and an infinitive directly after the noun:

Noun + a + infinitive

I have endless paperwork to review today.
Tenho papelada interminável a rever hoje.
Are there matters to complete by the weekend?
Há assuntos a concluir até ao fim de semana?

In these phrases, the a + infinitive acts like an adjective describing the noun, meaning "that needs to be done" or "to be done."

I see the dossier to file on the table.
Vejo o dossiê a arquivar em cima da mesa.

Dealing with endless lists

Whether you are tackling priorities or handing off work, just attach a + infinitive to the noun requiring action.

The project report is the priority to complete today.
O relatório do projeto é a prioridade a concluir hoje.
The paperwork to delegate is endless.
A papelada a delegar é interminável.

You can use this pattern with almost any task-related noun, from specific files to broader concepts like management (a gestão).

There is a lot of management to do in this department.
Há muita gestão a fazer neste departamento.