Argumentative Clauses with "O facto de"
In journalistic or argumentative speaking, you can state an opinion about an event using the phrase o facto de (the fact that).
Because o facto de ends in a preposition, the verb that follows takes an infinitive form. But there is a strict rule here: a preposition never contracts with the subject of an infinitive verb.
Normally, de + a becomes da, and de + o becomes do. However, if the article is part of the subject doing the action in this clause, they must remain completely separate as de a and de o.
| The fact that the press faces censorship is serious. | O facto de a imprensa enfrentar a censura é grave. |
| The fact that the tabloid doesn't ascertain truthful information is terrible. | O facto de o tabloide não apurar a informação verídica é péssimo. |
The Personal Infinitive
Because these clauses often have a specific subject doing the action (like "the press" or "they"), we use the Personal Infinitive. This is a uniquely Portuguese tense that allows you to conjugate an infinitive verb to match its subject.
For the singular subjects ele, ela, and você (or singular nouns like a imprensa), the personal infinitive is identical to the regular infinitive.
For plural subjects, you must add endings directly to the regular infinitive:
- Add -em for eles, elas, and vocês.
- Add -mos for nós.
| The fact that they broadcast the news about the censorship is great. | O facto de eles transmitirem a notícia sobre a censura é ótimo. |
| The fact that you maintain impartiality prevents defamation. | O facto de vocês manterem a imparcialidade evita a difamação. |
| The fact that we are broadcasting the press release today is important. | O facto de nós transmitirmos o comunicado hoje é importante. |