Breakdown of O prisioneiro suplicou que o soldado não fosse cruel.
ser
to be
não
not / no
que
that (conjunction)
o soldado
the soldier
cruel
cruel
o prisioneiro
the prisoner
suplicar
to beg
Questions & Answers about O prisioneiro suplicou que o soldado não fosse cruel.
Why is the verb fosse in the imperfect subjunctive?
This is the core of backshifting. The main verb suplicou (begged) expresses a request, which triggers the subjunctive. Because suplicou is in the past tense, the subjunctive verb in the dependent clause must backshift from the present subjunctive to the imperfect subjunctive (fosse).
What was the original direct speech that the prisoner used?
The prisoner likely said: Não seja cruel! (Don't be cruel!). In Portuguese, negative commands use the present subjunctive form. When we report this command in the past using suplicou, the present subjunctive seja shifts back one step into the imperfect subjunctive fosse.
Is it possible to use an infinitive here instead of the subjunctive?
Yes, this is a very common alternative. Instead of a que clause, you can use the structure suplicar a alguém para fazer algo. The sentence would become: O prisioneiro suplicou ao soldado para não ser cruel. This avoids the subjunctive entirely, though you have to remember to add the prepositions a and para.
Does the verb suplicar always trigger the subjunctive?
Yes, when it is followed by a que clause. Verbs of influencing, ordering, or begging (like suplicar, pedir, and exigir) require the subjunctive because they express a desire for a potential action to happen, rather than stating a guaranteed fact.
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