Breakdown of Ela compreende a gramática, ainda que cometa erros às vezes.
ela
she
compreender
to understand
o erro
the mistake
às vezes
sometimes
ainda que
even if / even though
a gramática
the grammar
cometer
to commit
Questions & Answers about Ela compreende a gramática, ainda que cometa erros às vezes.
Why is cometa used here instead of the regular present tense comete?
The phrase ainda que (even though / even if) is a concessive conjunction. It introduces an obstacle or exception and always forces the following verb into the subjunctive mood. So, we use cometa, the present subjunctive of cometer, instead of the indicative comete.
Why use the verb cometer for "makes" instead of fazer?
In Portuguese, you do not use fazer (to make / to do) when talking about making mistakes. The correct and natural combination is cometer um erro (literally, to commit a mistake). Translating "make a mistake" word-for-word is a very common trap for English speakers!
Can ainda que mean both "even though" and "even if"? How do we know which one it is in this sentence?
Yes, it can mean both! You have to look at the context. Because the first part of the sentence (Ela compreende a gramática) states a concrete fact in the present tense, it implies her making mistakes is also a reality. Therefore, "even though" is the most natural translation here. If the situation were purely hypothetical, it would mean "even if".
Why does às vezes have an accent mark on the first letter?
The grave accent points out a contraction of the preposition a (at/to) and the feminine plural article as (the). Whenever these two combine, they become às. The fixed phrase às vezes literally translates as "at the times," which is how you say "sometimes" in Portuguese.
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