Sequence of Tenses (Present)

Level 5

When the main part of your sentence is in the Present or Future and expresses something subjective, the second verb must be in the Subjunctive. Use the Present Subjunctive for current or future actions, and the Pretérito Perfeito do Subjuntivo for actions that already happened.

How It Works

In Portuguese, verbs follow a logical sequence. If your main verb is in the Present Indicative, Future (including Futuro do Presente and compound future), or Imperative, and it triggers the subjunctive mood, you must choose the correct tense based on timing:

1. Present Subjunctive: Used for actions happening now or in the future relative to the main verb. (e.g., Espero que ele venha amanhã).
2. Perfect Subjunctive: Used for actions that occurred before the main verb. (e.g., Espero que ele tenha vindo ontem).

Common Triggers:

Important Contrast:
Note that while Acho que (I think that) triggers the indicative because it expresses a belief, its negative form Não acho que introduces doubt and requires the subjunctive. Similarly, Sinto que usually takes the indicative to express a perception (e.g., Sinto que você está bem).

Regional Note: In casual Brazilian Portuguese, you may hear the indicative used instead (e.g., Quero que você vai), but in standard writing and European Portuguese, the subjunctive is strictly required to become proficient in the language.

Examples (5)

  1. Eu quero que você seja feliz.

    I want you to be happy.

    Word by Word: I want that you be happy.

    The main verb 'quero' (Present Indicative) triggers the present subjunctive 'seja'.

  2. Será necessário que nós falemos com ele.

    It will be necessary for us to speak with him.

    Word by Word: It will-be necessary that we speak with him.

    The main verb 'será' (Future) triggers the present subjunctive 'falemos'.

  3. Diga a ela que traga o documento.

    Tell her to bring the document.

    Word by Word: Tell to her that (she) bring the document.

    The imperative 'diga' (command) triggers the present subjunctive 'traga' in the subordinate clause.

  4. Duvido que eles cheguem a tempo.

    I doubt that they will arrive on time.

    Word by Word: I-doubt that they arrive at time.

    The verb of doubt 'duvido' triggers the present subjunctive 'cheguem' to refer to a future possibility.

  5. É possível que ela já esteja em casa.

    It's possible that she is already at home.

    Word by Word: It-is possible that she already be at home.

    The impersonal expression 'é possível' triggers the present subjunctive 'esteja' for a current possibility.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the Imperfect Subjunctive with a Present main verb.

    Eu espero que você fizesse o bolo.
    Eu espero que você faça o bolo.

    You cannot pair a Present anchor ('espero') with a Past Subjunctive ('fizesse'). They must match in the present/future sequence.

  • Using the Indicative after a trigger of doubt or wish.

    Duvido que ele vem hoje.
    Duvido que ele venha hoje.

    Even if it sounds natural in very casual speech, 'duvidar' requires the subjunctive 'venha' in standard Portuguese.

How It Connects

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

Sequence of Tenses (Present)Level 5

Learn This First

To understand the sequence of tenses in the present, a learner must first be comfortable with the present subjunctive conjugations and understand how certain main clause expressions (like necessity or desire) trigger the use of the subjunctive in a dependent clause.