Maximal degree expressions (o mais... possível)

When hunting for antiques at the flea market (a feira da ladra) and haggling (regatear) for a bargain (a pechincha), you often need to express that something should be done to the absolute highest degree.

To say "as [adjective/adverb] as possible" in Portuguese, use the formula: o mais + [adjective/adverb] + possível.

With Adverbs

When describing how or when an action is performed, simply place your adverb between o mais and possível. Because adverbs do not have gender or number, the phrase is completely invariable.

We usually go to the flea market as early as possible to haggle.
Costumamos ir à feira da ladra o mais cedo possível para regatear.
I want to buy a genuine relic as cheaply as possible.
Quero comprar uma relíquia genuína o mais barato possível.
We need to sell the copper as fast as possible.
Precisamos de vender o cobre o mais depressa possível.

This structure works exactly the same way for longer adverbs ending in -mente (the Portuguese equivalent of the English "-ly").

Thanks for having appraised the bargain as carefully as possible.
Obrigado por teres avaliado a pechincha o mais cuidadosamente possível.

With Adjectives

You can also use this exact same framework with adjectives to describe a person's state, qualities, or behavior.

In order to haggle well, you have to be as persuasive as possible.
Para regatear bem, tens de ser o mais persuasivo possível.

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