Question 1

This lesson covers tal, but we see tanto here. Could we use tal in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Not without changing the meaning. Tanto focuses on quantity ("so much" or "as much"). Tal focuses on quality or kind ("such"). Saying ninguém esbanja tal dinheiro would mean "no one squanders such money" (money of that specific kind), which sounds unnatural compared to the quantity-focused tanto dinheiro (so much money).

Question 2

Why do we use tanto here instead of tão?

Accepted Answer

We use tanto because it modifies a noun, dinheiro. If you were modifying an adjective or an adverb, you would use tão (meaning "so" or "as"), like in the phrase tão caro (so expensive).

Question 3

Why is there no não in this sentence since it uses the negative word ninguém?

Accepted Answer

When a negative word like ninguém (no one) or nunca (never) comes before the verb, the não is dropped. You only use a double negative if the negative word comes after the verb, as in Não esbanja tanto dinheiro ninguém (which is grammatically correct but much less common).

Question 4

Why do we use the subject pronoun ela after como?

Accepted Answer

In a comparison like tanto... como... (as much... as...), the pronoun that follows is actually the subject of an implied verb. We are really saying "as much money as she [squanders]". Therefore, you must use a subject pronoun like ela, eu, or tu.

Ninguém esbanja tanto dinheiro como ela.

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