B2Lesson 8: Normative Essentials
Punctuation and orthography shape readability and register. A few high-value rules make a major difference in written Portuguese.
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Punctuation and orthography shape readability and register. A few high-value rules make a major difference in written Portuguese.
These rules sit on the surface of the text, so readers notice them instantly. Good punctuation and orthography make writing easier to trust and easier to follow.
| Step | Rule |
|---|---|
| Rule 1 | Use commas to mark vocative, apposition, many fronted subordinate clauses, and some longer adjuncts. |
| Rule 2 | Do not separate subject and verb with a comma. |
| Rule 3 | Question marks, exclamation marks, colons, and quotation punctuation follow ordinary discourse structure, not just emotion. |
| Rule 4 | Orthography matters in contrasts such as "porque / por que / por quê / porquê". |
