Even the wisest and most well-informed sometimes commit slips that can compromise the clarity and credibility of communication
The Portuguese language is one of the greatest cultural heritage we have, but it can also be a field full of.
Even intelligent and well-informed people sometimes commit slips that can compromise the clarity and credibility of communication.
Therefore, understanding the main mistakes and knowing how to avoid them is essential.
Have you made any of these mistakes without realizing it?
6 Sins of the Portuguese language that an intelligent person should not commit
1. Incorrect use of “where” and “where”
This is a very common mistake that can go unnoticed. “Where” is used to indicate permanence, ie something that is in a certain place. Already “where” indicates movement, direction.
Right example:
If you say “where you live,” you are using the word the wrong way. This detail may seem small, but it makes a difference in the Portuguese language.
2. “Menas” no place of “less”
Although much talked about in informal conversations, “menas” simply does not exist. In the Portuguese language, the word “less” is invariable – that is, it never changes, whether for the male or the feminine.
Wrong Example:
Correct example:
Serious this: it’s always less, never Menas.
3. Confuse “more” with “but”
Another very common stumble. “More” is the opposite of “least” and indicates quantity. “But” is an adversative conjunction, used to indicate contrast or opposition.
See the examples:
Using one in place of the other totally changes the meaning of the sentence. Therefore, pay attention to these words so similar in speech, but so different in writing.
4. Use of “if not” and “otherwise”
This duo gives a knot in many people’s heads. But let’s simplify. “If not” is a conditional expression, equivalent to “if not”. Already “if not” means “otherwise” or even “defect” or “failure”.
Example with “if not”:
Example with “if not”:
A practical tip of the Portuguese language: when you can replace it with “if not”, use separately.
5. Pleonasm
Pleonasm is the unnecessary repetition of ideas. Some are acceptable as a style feature, but others just pollute the sentence.
Examples of vicious pleonasm:
-
Go up for top.
-
Enter inside.
-
Repeat again.
These expressions are redundant. In the Portuguese language, clarity and word savings make a big difference. Avoid these excesses.
6. “With an absolute certainty”
This is a widely used but technically exaggerated expression. After all, if something is sure, it no longer needs to be absolute. In practice, it sounds like a reinforcement, but grammatically is redundant.
Prefer:
Redundances like this impoverish language and take the strength of the message.
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