Question 1

Since this lesson is about pronoun placement with two verbs, how would I replace o enigma with "it" in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

You have two valid options when using an auxiliary verb (deves) plus an infinitive (decifrar). You can attach the pronoun to the first verb: deves-o decifrar. Alternatively, you can attach it to the infinitive. When doing this, drop the final -r of the infinitive, add an acute accent to maintain the vowel sound, and use the -lo form of the pronoun: deves decifrá-lo.

Question 2

If I change the sentence to a negative ("You must not decipher it now"), where does the pronoun go?

Accepted Answer

The negative word não acts as a "magnet" that pulls the pronoun before the conjugated verb. Your two options from the previous answer disappear, and you must place the pronoun before the first verb: Não o deves decifrar agora.

Question 3

Does the verb dever mean "must" or "should" here?

Accepted Answer

In the present tense, dever can express either obligation ("must") or strong expectation/advice ("ought to"). Context usually tells you which one it is. If you want to clearly express advice ("should"), it is better to use the conditional tense instead: deverias decifrar.

Question 4

Can I use ter de instead of dever to say "must" in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Tens de decifrar ("You have to decipher") is very natural and is often the preferred choice in everyday spoken Portuguese for strict obligations. Dever can sometimes sound slightly more formal or literary.

Deves decifrar o enigma agora.

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