A Simpler Alternative to the Subjunctive
When using impersonal expressions like é importante (it is important) or é necessário (it is necessary), you normally follow them with que and a verb in the subjunctive (e.g., "It is important that we go").
However, Portuguese offers a simpler alternative: dropping the que and using the Personal Infinitive (Infinitivo Pessoal). This is the equivalent of saying "It is important for us to go" in English.
To form the Personal Infinitive, you simply add these endings directly to the dictionary form of the verb (the infinitive):
| Pronoun | Ending | Example (organizar) |
|---|---|---|
| Eu / Ele / Ela / Você | (none) | organizar |
| Tu | -es | organizares |
| Nós | -mos | organizarmos |
| Eles / Elas / Vocês | -em | organizarem |
Notice that for nós, you just add -mos to the infinitive.
| It is important for us to organize the logistics today. | É importante nós organizarmos a logística hoje. |
| It is fundamental for us to gather the money for the transport. | É fundamental nós reunirmos o dinheiro para o transporte. |
Plural Subjects
For plural subjects like eles, vocês, or specific groups (like the students), you add -em to the infinitive.
| It is difficult for them to decide the date of the school trip. | É difícil eles decidirem a data da viagem escolar. |
| It is necessary for the students to bring the school authorization. | É necessário os alunos trazerem a autorização escolar. |
The 'Tu' Form and Irregular Verbs
For tu, add -es to the infinitive.
| It is better for you not to pay the expense now. | É melhor tu não pagares a despesa agora. |
The best part about the Personal Infinitive is that it is incredibly regular. Even verbs that are highly irregular in other tenses (like ir and saber) follow the exact same rule here—just add the ending to the full infinitive!
| It is good for them to go by the new route. | É bom eles irem pelo trajeto novo. |
| It is urgent for the parents to know the time of the departure. | É urgente os pais saberem a hora da partida. |
