B2 (Upper Intermediate)Lesson 8: Normative Essentials
Regency is the preposition pattern a verb, noun, or adjective requires. Crase marks the fusion of a with another a, usually before a feminine noun phrase.
Learn verbs and nouns with their prepositions
Crase marks a written fusion
Check whether the first word requires "a" and the next phrase begins with feminine "a"
verb or noun + required preposition / a + a(s) = à(s)
Sign up to save your progress, practice exercises and unlock all grammar content.
Many verbs require a specific preposition: "gostar de", "precisar de", "obedecer a", "assistir a".
Nouns and adjectives can also require prepositions: "medo de", "favorável a".
Crase usually appears when a word requires "a" and the next feminine phrase also begins with "a": "vou à escola".
No crase appears before masculine nouns, verbs, or most repeated words without the needed fusion.
The biggest practical step is to learn regency together with the verb or noun from the start.
Crase is a writing mark; speech alone often does not reveal it clearly.
| Step | Rule |
|---|
| Portuguese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Gosto de música. | I like music. |
| Preciso de ajuda. | I need help. |
| Obedeço às regras. | I obey the rules. |
| Assisti ao filme ontem. | I watched the movie yesterday. |
| Vou à escola cedo. | I go to school early. |
| Tenho medo de altura. | I am afraid of heights. |
Some verbs change meaning depending on the preposition pattern.
Not every a before a feminine noun has crase; the first element must require the preposition.
Get full access to grammar lessons, exercises, vocabulary and personalized review with a free Falando account.