assim que/logo que + Future Subjunctive

As Soon as (Futuro Do Subjuntivo)

Level 4

Assim que and logo que both mean "as soon as." They are used to link two future events where one happens right after the other.

How It Works

The conjunctions assim que and logo que function as temporal triggers for future contingencies. Because the event they describe is expected to happen but has not yet occurred, Portuguese requires the subjunctive mood to mark this future dependency.

1. Conjugation Basics:

  • For regular verbs, the future subjunctive looks identical to the personal infinitive (e.g., chegar, chegares, chegar...).
  • For irregular verbs, the stem is taken from the 3rd person plural of the pretérito perfeito do indicativo. For example, fizeram (they did) becomes fizer (if/when I do).

2. Register Differences:

  • Assim que: The most common and neutral form used in both Brazil and Portugal.
  • Logo que: Slightly more formal or literary, though very common in European Portuguese.

3. Sentence Structure:
The sentence usually consists of two parts: the subordinate clause (with the future subjunctive) and the main clause (usually in the future indicative or the imperative).

Example: Assim que chegares (Subjunctive), avisa-me (Imperativo Afirmativo Tu).

Examples (4)

  1. Assim que eles chegarem, começaremos a reunião.

    As soon as they arrive, we will start the meeting.

    Word by Word: As soon as they arrive (future subjunctive), we will start the meeting.

    Note that 'chegarem' is the future subjunctive form, even though we translate it as 'arrive' in English.

  2. Logo que eu tiver os resultados, aviso-te.

    As soon as I have the results, I'll let you know.

    Word by Word: As soon as I have (future subjunctive) the results, I advise you.

    'Tiver' is the irregular future subjunctive of 'ter'. In European Portuguese, the present indicative 'aviso' is often used for the future.

  3. Assim que você puder, me liga.

    As soon as you can, call me.

    Word by Word: As soon as you can (future subjunctive), me call.

    This is a common Brazilian construction using the future subjunctive of 'poder' followed by an imperative.

  4. Logo que o sol sair, vamos à praia.

    As soon as the sun comes out, we are going to the beach.

    Word by Word: As soon as the sun leaves/comes out (future subjunctive), we go to the beach.

    Even if you are 99% sure the sun will come out, the future subjunctive is required because it hasn't happened yet.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the present indicative instead of the future subjunctive.

    Assim que ele chega, eu falo com ele.
    Assim que ele chegar, eu falo com ele.

    In Portuguese, 'Assim que ele chega' implies a habit (Every time he arrives...). For a specific future event, you must use 'chegar'.

  • Using the wrong stem for irregular verbs.

    Assim que você fazer o bolo, me avise.
    Assim que você fizer o bolo, me avise.

    Irregular verbs like 'fazer' use the preterite stem (fiz-) for the future subjunctive, not the infinitive stem (faz-).

How It Connects

Tap a pattern to see what it builds on and what it leads to.

assim que/logo que + Future SubjunctiveLevel 4As Soon as (Futuro Do Subjuntivo)

Learn This First

To use 'assim que' or 'logo que' correctly, you must first be able to conjugate verbs in the future subjunctive (both regular and irregular). Additionally, you should understand the general logic of using the subjunctive after temporal conjunctions to describe future actions, which is typically introduced with 'quando'.

Words in This Pattern

assim quelogo que