Question 1

Why do we need mas sim here instead of just mas?

Accepted Answer

We use mas sim (but rather or but instead) to directly correct a false statement. The first part of the sentence uses não to deny something, and mas sim introduces the true alternative. Using just mas here would feel incomplete, as it usually introduces a contrasting idea rather than a direct replacement for the negated noun.

Question 2

What is the singular form of fósseis and what is the rule for this plural?

Accepted Answer

The singular is fóssil. In Portuguese, nouns and adjectives ending in an unstressed -il form their plural by dropping the -il and adding -eis. Another very common example you have likely seen is fácil becoming fáceis.

Question 3

Does O paleontólogo refer to one specific person here, or paleontologists in general?

Accepted Answer

Contextually, it refers to paleontologists in general. Portuguese frequently uses the singular definite article (o or a) to represent an entire class, species, or profession. While English typically uses the plural for this (Paleontologists do not study...), O paleontólogo não estuda... is the natural way to state this general fact in Portuguese.

Question 4

Why do the adjectives humanas and antigos come after their nouns?

Accepted Answer

Adjectives that objectively classify or categorize a noun, such as identifying the specific scientific type of ruins or fossils, almost always come after the noun in Portuguese. Placing them before the noun is generally reserved for subjective opinions, figurative meanings, or poetic emphasis.

O paleontólogo não estuda ruínas humanas, mas sim fósseis antigos.

Breakdown of O paleontólogo não estuda ruínas humanas, mas sim fósseis antigos.

Questions & Answers about O paleontólogo não estuda ruínas humanas, mas sim fósseis antigos.

Learn O paleontólogo não estuda ruínas humanas, mas sim fósseis antigos and more in Portuguese