B2 (Upper Intermediate)Lesson 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.
Valency = complement frame of the verb
Transitivity is one part of valency
Some verbs change meaning across patterns
intransitive / transitive direct / transitive indirect / bitransitive 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.
| 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.
