for/fores/for/formos/forem

Futuro Do Subjuntivo De Ser/Ir

Level 4

The forms for, fores, for, formos, fordes, forem are used for both ser and ir when talking about 'if' or 'when' something happens in the future.

How It Works

The verbs ser (to be) and ir (to go) share identical forms in the future subjunctive. This mood is triggered by specific conjunctions that look toward a potential future event.

1. Conjugation:
The forms are derived from the 3rd person plural of the Pretérito Perfeito (foram), removing the -am:

  • Eu for
  • Tu fores
  • Você/Ele/Ela for
  • Nós formos
  • Vós fordes*
  • Vocês/Eles/Elas forem

*Note: The 'vós' form is primarily used in formal, literary, or specific regional contexts in Portugal and is almost never used in Brazil.

2. Common Triggers:

3. Ser vs. Ir:
Since the forms are identical, context is key. Usually, if the verb is followed by a destination (a, para), it is ir. If it is followed by an adjective or noun, it is ser.

Examples (4)

  1. Se for preciso, eu ajudo-te.

    If it is necessary, I will help you.

    Word by Word: If (it) be necessary, I help-you.

    Here 'for' comes from 'ser' because it is followed by an adjective (preciso).

  2. Quando vocês forem a Lisboa, visitem o Chiado.

    When you go to Lisbon, visit Chiado.

    Word by Word: When you go to Lisbon, visit the Chiado.

    Here 'forem' comes from 'ir' because it indicates movement to a destination (a Lisboa).

  3. Faz o que for melhor para ti.

    Do whatever is best for you.

    Word by Word: Do the what be better for you.

    The relative pronoun 'o que' (whatever/that which) triggers the future subjunctive for a future choice.

  4. Assim que eu for para casa, eu ligo-te.

    As soon as I go home, I'll call you.

    Word by Word: As soon as I go to home, I call-you.

    'Assim que' is a temporal trigger that requires the future subjunctive for future actions.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the present indicative instead of the future subjunctive.

    Quando eu vou ao Brasil, vou visitar-te.
    Quando eu for ao Brasil, vou visitar-te.

    In English, we say 'When I go', but in Portuguese, if the event hasn't happened yet, you must use the future subjunctive 'for'.

  • Confusing the future subjunctive with the personal infinitive.

    Se eu ser rico, comprarei um barco.
    Se eu for rico, comprarei um barco.

    While regular verbs often look the same in both moods, 'ser' is irregular. The personal infinitive is 'ser', but the future subjunctive is 'for'.

How It Connects

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

for/fores/for/formos/foremLevel 4Futuro Do Subjuntivo De Ser/Ir

Learn This First

The future subjunctive forms 'for/fores/for/formos/forem' are identical for both the verbs 'ser' and 'ir'. To learn this pattern, learners must first be familiar with the Pretérito Perfeito (specifically the 'foram' stem) and the distinct meanings of 'ser' and 'ir' to distinguish them in usage.

Words in This Pattern