Correcting Portuguese Grammar: A Deep Dive

Hey guys, let's break down the grammar of the Portuguese sentence, "Diga a elas que estejam daqui a pouco na porta da biblioteca." It's super important to get the prepositions and accents right in Portuguese, and this sentence is a great example of where things can get a little tricky. We will clarify the correct answers for the options A to E. Remember that even a small misplaced accent or preposition can completely change the meaning of what you are trying to say. So, let's dive in and make sure we're all on the same page, shall we? We'll analyze the sentence structure, the use of the verb "dizer" (to tell), and the nuances of those tricky prepositions like "a," "à," and "há." By the end of this, you'll be confident in choosing the correct option and understanding why it's the right one.

Dissecting the Sentence: "Diga a elas que estejam..."

Alright, let's start with the basics. The sentence begins with "Diga a elas," which translates to "Tell them." The verb "dizer" is conjugated in the imperative mood here, meaning it's a command or a request. "A elas" is the indirect object, referring to the female group you are addressing. Now, the following part, "que estejam daqui a pouco na porta da biblioteca," means "to be there soon at the library door." The verb "estar" (to be) is in the subjunctive mood, as it follows the conjunction "que," expressing a desire or a possibility. The phrase "daqui a pouco" means "in a little while" or "soon," and it indicates the time frame. "Na porta da biblioteca" simply means "at the library door," pointing out the location. So, the whole sentence is a request for them to be at the library door shortly. Remember, these small parts will form the whole, and only by understanding them, you can solve the exercise.

Now, let's explore the options. Pay close attention to those prepositions and accents; they are the keys to unlocking the correct answer!

Understanding the Prepositions

Before we jump into the options, let's quickly review the prepositions that might be causing confusion. In Portuguese, prepositions can combine with articles to form contractions. For example:

• a + a = à: The preposition "a" (to) combined with the definite article "a" (the - feminine singular).
• a + as = às: The preposition "a" combined with the definite article "as" (the - feminine plural).
• a + o = ao: The preposition "a" combined with the definite article "o" (the - masculine singular).
• a + os = aos: The preposition "a" combined with the definite article "os" (the - masculine plural).

These contractions are crucial for accurate sentence construction. Also, we have the word “há”, which is the verb "haver" (to have/there is) in the third person singular, which is used to indicate existence or to express time. Let's keep this in mind as we address the answer options.

Analyzing the Answer Options: A Deep Dive

Alright, let's examine the provided options to find the right choice for completing the sentence "Diga a elas que estejam daqui a pouco na porta da biblioteca." Each option uses different combinations of the prepositions "a," "à," and "há," which, as we mentioned earlier, can significantly change the meaning. We will go through them one by one to understand the correct grammar and context.

Option A: "à, há, a"

This option presents the combination "à, há, a." Let's analyze how this would fit into the sentence, especially the preposition to use to complete the sentence "Diga a elas que estejam daqui a pouco na porta da biblioteca."

• "à": This is the contraction of the preposition "a" (to) with the definite article "a" (the - feminine singular). The key point is that it can indicate destination or direction, which could be used in this case, but, if we use this one, this will be a construction where it is not necessary to use this one. So, we can't use this construction in our answer.
• "há": This is the third-person singular form of the verb "haver," which means "there is" or "there are" and is used to express existence or to indicate time. If we use this one, it would be an incorrect answer too.
• "a": It is a simple preposition, in this case, it is not a good fit in our sentence, where we have to inform the correct preposition to the option. This one does not fit either.

Based on the above analysis, option A is not correct, because we can't use "à, há, a" in the sentence.

Option B: "a, há, à"

Let's delve into option B, which presents the sequence "a, há, à." This option can contain some correct prepositions, but let's analyze each of them.

• "a": It's a simple preposition. So, it might be correct in our sentence, but it depends on the other prepositions.
• "há": The verb "haver" is present again, which can be a possible option too, but let's continue the analysis to be sure.
• "à": This contraction of "a" + "a" could be correct for this option. So, for now, we have a strong option, but, as the previous analysis, we must consider the full sentence. Therefore, this option is also incorrect.

Option C: "a, a, a"

Option C proposes "a, a, a." This means only the preposition "a" in all the answers. Let's test this option.

• "a": In this case, if the three answers are the same preposition, so we might be in the correct option. Let's keep this option as a valid one.

Therefore, this option might be correct, and we will test it later.

Option D: "à, a, a"

Now, let's examine option D: "à, a, a." This option, like the others, offers various prepositions to fill in the blanks, so let's break down what each one means and whether it fits. This option is almost correct.

• "à": The first part is the contraction of "a" + "a", we can apply it in this option.
• "a": In this case, the correct option is the simple preposition “a".

So, for now, this can be a valid option.

Option E: "a, a, à"

Let's analyze Option E, which offers "a, a, à." In this option, the preposition is "a" and "à" (contraction). Let's break down what that means for our sentence and see if it's the right choice.

• "a": This is the simple preposition "a".
• "à": This is the contraction of the preposition "a" with the feminine article "a." This contraction is often used to indicate destination or to show direction. However, it might not be the correct option, we will check later.

Based on the above, option E seems incorrect. Let's check the correct answer to confirm our theory.

The Correct Answer and Why

After careful consideration, the correct answer is Option C: a, a, a. This is because in the sentence "Diga a elas que estejam daqui a pouco na porta da biblioteca," the correct answer is the use of the simple preposition "a" (to).

Tips for Success

To ace these types of grammar questions, keep these tips in mind:

• Practice Regularly: Consistent practice is key. The more you use the language, the more natural these concepts will become.
• Focus on Context: Pay close attention to the context of the sentence. This will guide you in choosing the correct prepositions and verb tenses.
• Use Resources: Don't hesitate to consult grammar books, online resources, or even a language tutor to clarify any doubts.

By following these steps, you'll not only master this specific sentence but also improve your overall Portuguese grammar skills.