B1Lesson 8: Sentence Architecture
Portuguese uses three major non-finite verb forms: infinitive, gerund, and participle. They help build periphrases, noun-like structures, and reduced clauses.
This is a partial preview of the article.
Unlock the full explanation and all practice exercises for this B1 lesson.
Join Falando to access grammar from all CEFR levels.
Portuguese uses three major non-finite verb forms: infinitive, gerund, and participle. They help build periphrases, noun-like structures, and reduced clauses.
These forms connect the whole verb system. Once they are clear, aspect, passive voice, and reduced clauses become much easier to understand.
| Step | Rule |
|---|---|
| Rule 1 | The infinitive names the action or combines with auxiliaries and prepositions: "estudar", "para estudar". |
| Rule 2 | The gerund often expresses ongoing process or accompanying action: "estou trabalhando", "falando sério". |
| Rule 3 | The participle often appears in compound tenses, passive forms, and result states: "feito", "aberto", "resolvido". |
| Rule 4 | These forms do not show full person agreement like finite verbs do. |
