Breakdown of Mesmo que a manifestação seja pacífica, a polícia prende os manifestantes.
ser
to be
a polícia
the police
mesmo que
even if
a manifestação
the demonstration
pacífico
peaceful (non-violent)
prender
to arrest
o manifestante
the protester
Questions & Answers about Mesmo que a manifestação seja pacífica, a polícia prende os manifestantes.
Why do we use seja instead of é in this sentence?
The phrase mesmo que (even if) introduces a hypothetical situation. Whenever we use mesmo que to talk about a scenario that is hypothetical, uncertain, or in the future, it triggers the subjunctive mood. Here, seja is the present subjunctive of ser (to be).
In English we say 'the police arrest' with a plural verb. Why is the verb prende singular here?
Could I use a different phrase instead of mesmo que here?
Yes, you can use ainda que. It is a direct synonym of mesmo que in this context and follows the exact same rule of requiring the subjunctive verb seja.
Does the verb prender only mean 'to arrest'?
In the context of law enforcement, it means 'to arrest' or 'to detain'. However, its broader meaning is 'to attach', 'to fasten', or 'to tie'. For example, you would also use prender when talking about tying your hair back or attaching a document.
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