Breakdown of É o livro mais fascinante e incomparável que nós possamos ler.
ser
to be
e
and
o livro
the book
nós
we
ler
to read
mais
more
poder
can / may (verb)
que
who / which / that (relative)
fascinante
fascinating
incomparável
incomparable
Questions & Answers about É o livro mais fascinante e incomparável que nós possamos ler.
Why is possamos in the subjunctive here instead of the indicative podemos?
The relative clause que nós possamos ler describes a superlative phrase (o livro mais fascinante). In Portuguese, you use the subjunctive after a superlative to show that this is a subjective opinion, an emotional evaluation, or a hypothetical extreme, rather than a proven, objective fact.
Would it be wrong to use the indicative podemos instead?
In formal or written Portuguese, the subjunctive possamos is expected after a superlative. However, in casual, everyday spoken Portuguese, you will frequently hear native speakers use the indicative here (que nós podemos ler). At your level, practicing the subjunctive in these structures will make your Portuguese sound much more polished.
Does the word mais modify both fascinante and incomparável?
It technically only modifies fascinante to create the superlative o mais fascinante. The word incomparável is already an absolute concept that doesn't logically take mais, but grouping them together seamlessly applies the highest-degree sentiment to the entire description.
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