Question 1

Literally, what does posto isto mean, and why is it called an "absolute non-finite" connector?

Accepted Answer

Posto is the past participle of pôr (to put). Literally, posto isto translates to "this put" or "this having been put (forward)". It is called "non-finite" because it uses a participle rather than a conjugated verb, and "absolute" because it stands alone, independent of the main clause's subject. In everyday English, it is best translated as "having said that" or "that being said".

Question 2

Could we use sendo assim instead of posto isto in this sentence?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but it changes the nuance slightly. Posto isto focuses on acknowledging what was just stated before moving on to the next point ("That being said" or "Given this established fact"). Sendo assim acts more like "Therefore" or "Since that is the case," highlighting a direct cause-and-effect relationship. In this negotiation context, both make perfect sense.

Question 3

What verb is the noun cedência related to?

Accepted Answer

It is derived from the verb ceder, which means "to yield," "to give way," or "to concede." A cedência is a concession—something given up to reach an agreement during a negotiation.

Question 4

Is exige a verb that triggers the subjunctive?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the verb exigir (to demand / to require) is a classic subjunctive trigger because it expresses a command or strong wish. It does not trigger the subjunctive in this specific sentence because it is followed directly by a noun (uma cedência). However, if you expanded the sentence using que (e.g., "The union demands that the company concede"), it would require the subjunctive: ...exige que a empresa ceda.

A proposta é injusta. Posto isto, o sindicato exige uma cedência.

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