Question 1

Why does this sentence use both está and é?

Accepted Answer

This sentence is a great example of the difference between the two Portuguese verbs for "to be". We use está (from estar) to talk about the location of the description on the list. We use é (from ser) to describe its characteristic of being different.

Question 2

How would I use this lesson's phrase, se calhar, to say "Maybe the description on the list is different"?

Accepted Answer

You can just add se calhar to the beginning: Se calhar, a descrição que está na lista é diferente. Remember that se calhar expresses probability but is followed by the normal indicative mood, so the verbs está and é stay exactly the same, unlike with other "maybe" words that require the subjunctive.

Question 3

Why is it na lista instead of em lista?

Accepted Answer

In Portuguese, you almost always need the definite article when saying something is "on the list". The preposition em (in/on) combines with the feminine article a (the) to make na.

Question 4

Descrição is a feminine noun. Shouldn't the adjective diferente have a feminine ending?

Accepted Answer

Adjectives that end in -e, like diferente, grande, or inteligente, are gender-neutral. They keep the exact same form for both masculine and feminine nouns. They only change when made plural by adding an -s.

A descrição que está na lista é diferente.

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