Question 1

Why do we use tivesse falado here instead of the regular indicative past perfect?

Accepted Answer

The phrase como se (as if) sets up a hypothetical or unreal comparison, which always triggers the subjunctive mood. Because the imaginary speaking is linked to a past action (ficou), we use the Past Perfect Subjunctive (Mais-Que-Perfeito do Conjuntivo).

Question 2

Why does the sentence use ficou instead of estava or tornou-se for "got pale"?

Accepted Answer

The verb ficar is the standard way to express a sudden or temporary change of state or emotion in Portuguese, equivalent to "got" or "became" here. Estava pálido would mean he was already pale, while tornou-se is usually reserved for permanent, gradual, or more profound transformations.

Question 3

Could I say falado com ele instead of falado para ele?

Accepted Answer

You could, but the meaning shifts slightly. Falado para ele means the words were directed at him (spoken to him), fitting the one-sided, spooky nature of the situation. Falado com ele implies a two-way conversation (spoken with him).

Question 4

Could we use the indirect object pronoun lhe and say lhe tivesse falado?

Accepted Answer

Yes, lhe tivesse falado is grammatically correct and means the same thing. Note that the pronoun lhe must go before the verb here because subordinate clauses introduced by como se pull the pronoun to the front. Using para ele at the end instead just adds a bit more emphasis to the fact that the creature spoke to him specifically.

O miúdo ficou pálido como se a criatura tivesse falado para ele.

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