Prepositions Before "Que"
In English, we usually drop prepositions before the conjunction "that" (e.g., "I remember that...", not "I remember of that..."). In European Portuguese, if a verb, adjective, or noun phrase naturally requires a preposition, it keeps it before the conjunction que.
Let's look at verbs that require de, such as certificar-se de (to make sure of) and lembrar-se de (to remember). When followed by que, the de stays right where it is:
| Before entering an unexplored building, I make sure that there is no danger. | Antes de entrar num prédio inexplorado, certifico-me de que não há perigo. |
| I remember that the respirator saved me when the rubble fell. | Lembro-me de que o respirador me salvou quando os escombros caíram. |
Adjectives and Noun Expressions
Adjectives like ciente (aware) and noun expressions like ter a certeza (to be sure) or ter medo (to be afraid) also retain their de before que:
| I am aware that exploring this hospital is illegal. | Estou ciente de que explorar este hospital é ilegal. |
| The degradation is severe and I am afraid that the wall will collapse. | A degradação é grave e tenho medo de que o muro se desmorone. |
Verbs with "Em"
The same principle applies to verbs requiring em, like insistir em (to insist on). When followed by a que clause, it becomes insistir em que:
| The guide insists that we use the respirator because of the mold. | O guia insiste em que usemos o respirador por causa do mofo. |
Prepositions and the Subjunctive
The conjunction que still triggers the subjunctive if the main verb expresses doubt, emotion, or a demand. The retained preposition does not change this:
| I doubt that this unexplored tunnel is free of rubble. | Duvido de que este túnel inexplorado esteja livre de escombros. |
| I like that your team has prudence in the ruins. | Eu gosto de que a tua equipa tenha prudência nas ruínas. |