Conjunções coordenativas
Conjunções coordenativas means “coordinating conjunctions joining equal-rank clauses or terms”. Coordinating conjunctions join two parts that have equal weight; neither depends on the other. Formation: oração/termo + conjunção (e / nem / mas / ou / logo / pois) + oração/termo
coordinating conjunctions joining equal-rank clauses or terms
B1Formation
oração/termo + conjunção (e / nem / mas / ou / logo / pois) + oração/termo
Explanation
Coordinating conjunctions join two parts that have equal weight; neither depends on the other. The additive ones add ideas: 'e' means 'and', and 'nem' adds in the negative (= 'and not / nor'), as in 'Não falo nem entendo' (I neither speak nor understand). The adversative ones show contrast, with 'mas' as the everyday word; 'porém', 'contudo' and 'no entanto' mean the same but sound more formal. The alternatives ('ou', 'ou... ou', 'ora... ora') offer choices, while the conclusive ones ('logo', 'portanto') mark a consequence. Watch out for 'pois': before the verb it is explanatory (= 'because'), but after the verb it is conclusive (= 'therefore'). Note that Portuguese 'e' and 'ou' never change form before similar vowels: 'português e espanhol', 'sete ou oito'.
Examples
Note
'pois' before the verb = explanatory ('because'); after the verb = conclusive ('therefore'). Unlike Spanish, 'e' and 'ou' never change form: 'mãe e filha', 'sete ou oito'.
FAQ
Conjunções coordenativas — what does it mean and how is it used?
coordinating conjunctions joining equal-rank clauses or terms. Coordinating conjunctions join two parts that have equal weight; neither depends on the other. The additive ones add ideas: 'e' means 'and', and 'nem' adds in the negative (= 'and not / nor'), as in 'Não falo nem entendo' (I neither speak nor understand). The adversative ones show contrast, with 'mas' as the everyday word; 'porém', 'contudo' and 'no entanto' mean the same but sound more formal. The alternatives ('ou', 'ou... ou', 'ora... ora') offer choices, while the conclusive ones ('logo', 'portanto') mark a consequence. Watch out for 'pois': before the verb it is explanatory (= 'because'), but after the verb it is conclusive (= 'therefore'). Note that Portuguese 'e' and 'ou' never change form before similar vowels: 'português e espanhol', 'sete ou oito'.
Conjunções coordenativas — how do you form it?
oração/termo + conjunção (e / nem / mas / ou / logo / pois) + oração/termo
Conjunções coordenativas — any usage notes?
'pois' before the verb = explanatory ('because'); after the verb = conclusive ('therefore'). Unlike Spanish, 'e' and 'ou' never change form: 'mãe e filha', 'sete ou oito'.