Question 1

How does the a concluir structure work here?

Accepted Answer

This is an adnominal modifier clause using the preposition a followed by an infinitive (concluir). It acts like an adjective describing the noun assuntos. In English, we translate it as "matters to complete" or "matters to be completed." This structure is very common in Portuguese to express an action that is pending or needs to be done to a noun.

Question 2

Could I use para concluir instead of a concluir?

Accepted Answer

Yes, they are often interchangeable in this context! assuntos para concluir also means "matters to complete." However, using a + infinitive is a very natural and common way to attach a pending action directly to a noun.

Question 3

Why is it até ao fim de semana instead of just até o?

Accepted Answer

In European Portuguese, the preposition até (until/by) is almost always paired with the preposition a when followed by a definite article. Since fim de semana is masculine, we combine the extra a with the article o to get ao, resulting in até ao.

Question 4

Since assuntos is plural, shouldn't the first word be plural too?

Accepted Answer

No, it stays singular. When the verb haver means "there is" or "there are," it is an impersonal verb. This means it only ever takes the third-person singular form (há), even when referring to a plural noun like assuntos (matters).

Há assuntos a concluir até ao fim de semana?

Breakdown of Há assuntos a concluir até ao fim de semana?

Questions & Answers about Há assuntos a concluir até ao fim de semana?

Learn Há assuntos a concluir até ao fim de semana and more in Portuguese