The Core Idea
Valency describes how many and what kind of complements a verb selects. Transitivity is one part of that wider system.
When a verb feels hard to use, the real issue is often the complement frame, not the conjugation. Valency makes that frame explicit.
Structure Snapshot
- intransitive / transitive direct / transitive indirect / bitransitive patterns
Main Rules at a Glance
| Step | Rule |
|---|---|
| Rule 1 | Intransitive verbs do not require an object: "cheguei", "saí". |
| Rule 2 | Transitive direct verbs typically take a direct object: "comprei o livro". |
| Rule 3 | Transitive indirect verbs require a prepositional complement: "gostar de música", "obedecer a regras". |
| Rule 4 | Bitransitive verbs can take two complements: "dar algo a alguém", "mostrar algo para alguém". |
How It Works
- 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.
Usage and Register
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