Why Are Verb-Preposition Combinations Important?
Verb-preposition combinations are a fundamental part of Portuguese grammar. Unlike English, where prepositions can sometimes seem flexible, in Portuguese the choice of preposition is often fixed and can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. Mastering these combinations is key to sounding natural and understanding native speakers.
Most Common Portuguese Verb-Preposition Combinations
1. Gostar de (to like)
One of the first verbs learners encounter is gostar (to like), which always pairs with the preposition de.
- Eu gosto de música. (I like music.)
- Ela gosta de viajar. (She likes to travel.)
2. Pensar em (to think about)
The verb pensar changes its preposition depending on context, but when meaning “to think about,” it uses em.
- Estou pensando em você. (I am thinking about you.)
- Pensamos em mudar de casa. (We are thinking about moving houses.)
3. Depender de (to depend on)
To express dependence, depender is followed by de.
- Isso depende de você. (That depends on you.)
- Tudo depende do tempo. (Everything depends on the weather.)
4. Aprender a (to learn to)
When talking about learning to do something, use aprender a plus the infinitive.
- Estou aprendendo a falar português. (I am learning to speak Portuguese.)
- Ele aprendeu a dirigir. (He learned to drive.)
5. Precisar de (to need)
The verb precisar (to need) usually takes de before the object.
- Eu preciso de ajuda. (I need help.)
- Você precisa de dinheiro? (Do you need money?)
6. Insistir em (to insist on)
To insist on something, use insistir em.
- Ele insiste em sair cedo. (He insists on leaving early.)
- Insistimos em pagar a conta. (We insisted on paying the bill.)
7. Sonhar com (to dream of/about)
With the verb sonhar (to dream), use com to indicate what you dream about.
- Ela sonha com viagens. (She dreams about traveling.)
- Sonhei com você. (I dreamed of you.)
8. Contar com (to count on)
To express reliance, use contar com.
- Pode contar comigo. (You can count on me.)
- Contamos com sua ajuda. (We count on your help.)
Tips for Learning Verb-Preposition Combinations
- Practice with real examples: Read Portuguese texts and pay attention to how native speakers use verb-preposition pairs.
- Create flashcards: Write the verb and its corresponding preposition on flashcards to test your memory.
- Use language learning tools: Platforms like Talkpal provide interactive exercises to reinforce these combinations in context.
- Practice speaking: Try to use these combinations in your daily conversations or writing exercises.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
It’s easy to make mistakes by translating directly from your native language. Always check which preposition is required by the verb in Portuguese. For instance, “to look at” in English is “olhar para” in Portuguese, not “olhar a” or “olhar em.” Consistent practice and exposure to native materials can help you internalize the correct forms.
Conclusion
Verb-preposition combinations are an integral part of mastering Portuguese. By familiarizing yourself with the most common pairs and practicing them regularly, you will improve your fluency and sound more natural when speaking. Remember, resources like Talkpal can make this learning process engaging and effective. Keep practicing, stay curious, and soon these combinations will become second nature in your Portuguese conversations!
