Question 1

Why doesn't this sentence use a reciprocal phrase like uns com os outros (with each other)?

Accepted Answer

You could absolutely say Quando colaboramos uns com os outros, but it isn't required. The verb colaborar (to collaborate) already has reciprocity built into its meaning. Portuguese speakers often drop the reciprocal expression if the verb itself makes it obvious that the action is shared.

Question 2

I often see quando used with the future subjunctive. Why is colaboramos in the normal present tense here?

Accepted Answer

You use the future subjunctive with quando when you are talking about a specific hypothetical event in the future (like "When we collaborate next week..."). Because this sentence states a general, ongoing fact or habit ("Whenever we collaborate..."), it simply takes the present indicative.

Question 3

The English translation says "communication", but the Portuguese sentence says a comunicação. Why do we need the article here?

Accepted Answer

In European Portuguese, definite articles (o, a, os, as) are required when talking about general or abstract concepts. While English drops the word "the" for abstract nouns like "communication", "life", or "time" in a general sense, Portuguese always includes the article.

Quando colaboramos, a comunicação é mais fácil.

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