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A maioria dos limões estão podres, porém alguns estão bons.

A maioria dos limões estão podres, porém alguns estão bons.
The majority of the lemons are rotten, however some are good.
From Lesson 296:Partitive agreement (a maioria de)·Portuguese (Portugal)

Questions & Answers about A maioria dos limões estão podres, porém alguns estão bons.

Why is the verb plural (estão) when the subject starts with A maioria, which is singular?
When using a partitive expression like a maioria de (the majority of) followed by a plural noun like os limões, the verb can be either singular or plural. Using the plural verb estão emphasizes the individual items (the lemons), while using the singular está emphasizes the group as a single unit. Both are completely correct!
Why does limão become limões in the plural? Is there a rule for words ending in -ão?
Words ending in -ão can have three different plural endings: -ões, -ãos, or -ães. The -ões ending is the most common one, used for limões and many others like corações (hearts) or estações (seasons). There is no strict rule to predict this, so it is best to memorize the plural form when you learn a new -ão word.
Why do we use estão instead of são for being rotten or good here?
We use the verb estar (to be) for temporary states or conditions. Even though being rotten cannot be reversed, it is still considered a physical state of the fruit at this moment, rather than an essential, defining characteristic of lemons in general. The same applies to being in a good, edible condition right now.
What is the difference between porém and mas?
Both mean 'but' or 'however' and are used to show contrast. Mas is the most common word for 'but' in everyday speech. Porém is slightly more formal, often translating best to 'however', but they can generally be used interchangeably in sentences like this.
Why is it bons and not boas?
The adjective bons (good) has to agree in gender and number with the noun it describes. Since it refers back to alguns (some), which in turn replaces limões (a masculine plural noun), we must use the masculine plural form bons.

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