B2Lesson 9: Advanced Verb and Clause Patterns
Valency describes how many and what kind of complements a verb selects. Transitivity is one part of that wider system.
intransitive / transitive direct / transitive indirect / bitransitive patterns
Valency = complement frame of the verb
Transitivity is one part of valency
Some verbs change meaning across patterns
Sign up to save your progress, practice exercises and unlock all grammar content.
Intransitive verbs do not require an object: "cheguei", "saí".
Transitive direct verbs typically take a direct object: "comprei o livro".
Transitive indirect verbs require a prepositional complement: "gostar de música", "obedecer a regras".
Bitransitive verbs can take two complements: "dar algo a alguém", "mostrar algo para alguém".
Some verbs shift meaning when the valency changes, so transitivity must be learned with usage.
Valency is broader than a school label because it covers the whole complement frame of the verb.
This lesson supports regency, pronouns, passive voice, and clause analysis.
| Step | Rule |
| Portuguese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cheguei cedo. | I arrived early. |
| Comprei o livro. | I bought the book. |
| Gosto de música. | I like music. |
| Mostrei o caminho para ela. | I showed her the way. |
| Isso não cabe aqui. | That does not fit here. |
| Esse quarto serve de escritório. | This room serves as an office. |
Some verbs allow multiple frames with different interpretations.
Colloquial usage sometimes reduces or reshapes complements in speech.
Get full access to grammar lessons, exercises, vocabulary and personalized review with a free Falando account.