este / esse
Este vs. Esse in Discourse
In formal writing, este (cataphoric) introduces what is coming next, while esse (anaphoric) refers back to something already stated.
How It Works
When writing essays, reports, or formal letters, demonstrative pronouns act as cohesive markers.
- Cataphoric Use (Este): Used to introduce a new idea, a list, or a quote that follows immediately. It creates anticipation. Example: 'Minha opinião é esta: precisamos de mais tempo.'
- Anaphoric Use (Esse): Used to summarize or refer back to a noun or idea mentioned in the previous sentence. It links the current sentence to the previous context. Example: 'A inflação subiu. Esse fato preocupa a todos.'
- Distributive Use: When referring to two previously mentioned items, este refers to the last (closest) one, and aquele refers to the first (most distant) one.
Note that these rules apply to all variations: este/esta, esse/essa, and the neuter forms isto/isso.
Examples (5)
- O meu maior desejo é este: que todos vivam em paz.
My greatest desire is this: that everyone lives in peace.
Word by Word: The my biggest desire is this: that all live in peace.
'Este' is used here because the desire is explained after the pronoun is mentioned.
- A inflação subiu muito em julho. Esse problema preocupa o governo.
Inflation rose significantly in July. That problem worries the government.
Word by Word: The inflation rose much in July. That problem worries the government.
'Esse' refers back to the 'inflation' mentioned in the previous sentence.
- Pedro e Paulo são irmãos. Este é médico, aquele é engenheiro.
Pedro and Paulo are brothers. The latter (Paulo) is a doctor, the former (Pedro) is an engineer.
Word by Word: Pedro and Paulo are brothers. This is doctor, that is engineer.
'Este' refers to the most recent person (Paulo), while 'aquele' refers to the first person mentioned (Pedro).
- Não se esqueça disto: amanhã temos reunião.
Don't forget this: tomorrow we have a meeting.
Word by Word: Not yourself forget of-this: tomorrow we-have meeting.
'Disto' (de + isto) is used to introduce the information about the meeting that follows.
- Ele perdeu o emprego. Isso foi uma surpresa para todos.
He lost his job. That was a surprise for everyone.
Word by Word: He lost the job. That was a surprise for all.
'Isso' is the neuter form used to refer back to the entire situation mentioned previously.
Common Mistakes
Using 'esse' to introduce a list or explanation in formal writing.
O problema é esse: a falta de verba.O problema é este: a falta de verba.In formal registers, 'este' must be used when the information follows the pronoun (cataphoric use).
Using 'este' to summarize a previous paragraph.
Este fato prova que a teoria estava errada.Esse fato prova que a teoria estava errada.If the 'fact' was already explained in the previous text, 'esse' is the correct cohesive marker.
How It Connects
Related Patterns
- este/esta/estes/estasDemonstrative Adjectives (Near)
These are the specific demonstrative forms used for things near the speaker or pointing forward in text.
Foundations - esse/essa/esses/essasDemonstrative Adjectives (Mid)
These are the specific demonstrative forms used for things near the listener or pointing backward in text.
Foundations - isto/isso/aquiloNeuter Demonstrative Pronouns
Neuter forms used for abstract ideas or unknown objects, following the same discourse rules.
Level 1 - de + este/esse/aquele = deste/desse/daqueleContraction with Demonstratives (De)
Demonstratives often contract with prepositions, and these contractions maintain the same discourse functions.
Level 2 - em + este/esse/aquele = neste/nesse/naqueleContraction with Demonstratives (Em)
Contractions with 'em' are very common when referring to specific points in a text or time.
Level 2 - issoDiscourse Deixis with Isso
Focuses specifically on how 'isso' acts as a summary tool for previous statements.
Level 3
Learn Next
Patterns that build on this one.
Words in This Pattern
Practice este / esse in Bubblegum
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