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[ARCHIVE] Prepositions! - All you wanted to know

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EranBarLev
Israel

[ARCHIVE] Prepositions! - All you wanted to know

Post by EranBarLev »

Original post by Danmoller | Archived post

Well...one of the most difficult subjects when learning a language is surely the prepositions. In this topic I try to make it a little easier to understand when and how they are used.

I know that this will not make you a master of prepositions, but surely will give you a head start.

You may have noticed that translations for prepositions seems to be completely random, and sometimes you are right! But there are a few things that can help you learn a little more about them.

The first thing to understand is not the translations of the prepositions, but when and where they are used. Each case uses prepositions in a different way, and there are some rules that apply in these cases. Their functions are intimately related to the functions of the parts of a sentence.

So, let's get started!

Here are several topics on prepositions, with their explanations right below:


Prepositions for indirect objects (demanded by the verb)

Although it's not the easiest usage of prepositions, it's better to start with this one, because it's very common and it's the first thing that starts confusing learners in Duolingo.

These prepositions are demanded by the verb, so you really shouldn't bother trying to memorize their meanings (it will probably not make any sense), it's better to learn which prepositions are used for each verb instead!

So, the first golden rule for prepositions is: never try to translate a preposition without the other words that come along!!
If they are not about places or time (see below), they will not make sense!

Prepositions for indirect objects:
viewtopic.php?t=1858


Prepositions for places

Well, now comes the easy part. If the preposition is not being demanded by a verb in its object, it is very probably being used in an adverb.

Among different types of adverbs, there are the adverbs for places.

The main idea of prepositions is exactly that: to position things in places. Because of it, this is probably the only case where prepositions make sense and can be trusted (at least mostly). Now, this is when you might get happy learning their translations (translations that will make sense in this context only).

See prepositions for places: viewtopic.php?t=2384


Combinations (nisto, naquele, naquilo and others)

Prepositions are often combined with other elements, and that is an obligation in many cases. Like when you have words like "ele", "isso", "isto", "aquilo" and others.

At first, all those words and variations can be really confusing, but once you understand that they are just combined with prepositions, it gets clearer, specially because the combinations don't change the meaning of those words nor the rules for needing prepositions.

Basic contractions:

  • Em + o/a/os/as = no/na/nos/nas
  • De + o/a/os/as = do/da/dos/das
  • A + o/a/os/as = ao/à/aos/às
  • Em + ele/ela/eles/elas = Nele/Nela/Neles/Nelas
  • De + ele/ela/eles/elas = Dele/Dela/Deles/Delas

See combinations with "isso", "isto", "aquilo", "esse", "este" and "aquele": viewtopic.php?t=1848


Time

There are some other kinds of adverbs that take prepositions.

Although not having the same translations as positional prepositions, prepositions for time also follow consistent rules, as shown here: viewtopic.php?t=2387.


Por and Para

Well, it's not exactly a function, but this is something that can be really confusing between Portuguese and English, since "for" and "to" (their most common translations) are often switched from sentence to sentence.

Differences between por and para:
https://archive.ph/SspQd


Forming subordinate sentences with infinitive verbs

Another common situation where you will find prepositions is when they form subordinate sentences using infinitive verbs.

In this case, you associate the preposition with the infinitive verb, normally immediately before the verb. (Preposition + Infinitive verb).

Here, prepositions also have meanings, but they are modified meanings. You won't be able to translate them with their standard meaning (used for places). But they follow some patterns, as you can see here:

https://archive.ph/7wEk0

PS: Sometimes it will be hard to identify if the preposition belongs to the previous verb or is acting on the infinitive verb. That knowledge comes from being used to each verb usage.


Built expressions

There are lots of built expressions in languages, and each of those expressions takes its particular preposition.

Some prepositions will depend both on the words that come before and after it. That can mislead people, but unfortunately there is nothing that can be done unless getting to know those expressions. (Don't worry, that becomes natural with time.)


Mastering "Debaixo", "Embaixo" and "Abaixo"

Well, all of these mean "under/below", but they go best in some specific cases. Take a look if you like: https://archive.ph/cSrb6


Keep on going :D

Prepositions are too hard???

Don't worry too much if you don't get them that quick. Please remember prepositions are the hardest thing to master in a foreign language. In many cases, there will be exceptions, but don't think it's a motive to give up on learning. They are really something you will learn with time and practice, and there are plenty of other lessons that can be easily understood without mastering prepositions.


Go back to the Portuguese help Index:
viewtopic.php?t=1829

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