Breakdown of Neste percurso, a mota acaba sempre por avariar.
em
in / on / at
sempre
always
este
this (este, esta, estes, estas)
por
through / by / for / because of
Questions & Answers about Neste percurso, a mota acaba sempre por avariar.
How does the structure acaba por avariar work to mean 'ends up breaking down'?
Why is the adverb sempre placed right in the middle of acaba por?
In European Portuguese, short adverbs like sempre (always) typically go immediately after the conjugated verb. Since acaba is the conjugated verb in this phrase, sempre naturally slots in right after it, separating acaba from the preposition por.
Why does the sentence begin with Neste percurso instead of just Este percurso?
Neste is a mandatory contraction of the preposition em (in/on) and the demonstrative este (this). Because you are saying on this route, you need that underlying em to show where the action is taking place.
Does the verb avariar only apply to vehicles breaking down?
No, it is a versatile verb used for almost anything mechanical or electronic that stops working properly. You will frequently hear it used for computers, phones, and household appliances.