Sequence of Tenses (Present)

Level 5

When your main sentence is in the Present, Future, or Imperative, and you use a verb of desire, doubt, or emotion, the following verb must be in the Present Subjunctive.

How It Works

In Portuguese, verbs must harmonize with the verbs around them. This pattern is triggered when the main clause expresses something subjective rather than a guaranteed fact.

1. The Two-Subject Rule:
This is the most important rule: the 'que + subjunctive' structure is generally only used when the subject of the main verb is different from the subject of the second verb.

  • Same Subject: Use the infinitive. 'Eu quero viajar' (I want to travel).
  • Different Subjects: Use the subjunctive. 'Eu quero que você viaje' (I want you to travel).

2. The Triggers:
The sequence is activated by the conjunction que after verbs of:

3. The Tense Match:
If the main verb is in the Present Indicative (Eu quero...), Future (Eu vou pedir...), or Imperative (Diga a ele...), the subordinate verb MUST be in the Present Subjunctive.

4. Nuance:
If the action in the 'que' clause happened in the past relative to the present main verb, you shift to the Pretérito Perfeito do Subjuntivo (e.g., 'Espero que ele tenha chegado').

Examples (5)

  1. Eu quero que você me ajude com as malas.

    I want you to help me with the suitcases.

    Word by Word: I want that you me help with the suitcases.

    The main verb 'quero' (Present) triggers the Present Subjunctive 'ajude'.

  2. Duvido que eles saibam o caminho.

    I doubt that they know the way.

    Word by Word: I doubt that they know the way.

    The verb 'duvidar' expresses uncertainty, triggering the irregular subjunctive 'saibam' (from saber).

  3. Vou pedir que ela chegue cedo amanhã.

    I'm going to ask that she arrives early tomorrow.

    Word by Word: I go to ask that she arrives early tomorrow.

    Even though the main clause is in the near future (vou pedir), the subordinate clause uses the Present Subjunctive.

  4. É importante que nós façamos o exercício.

    It is important that we do the exercise.

    Word by Word: It is important that we do the exercise.

    An impersonal expression (é importante) triggers the subjunctive 'façamos'.

  5. Diga a ele que tenha cuidado.

    Tell him to be careful.

    Word by Word: Tell to him that [he] have care.

    The imperative 'diga' triggers the subjunctive 'tenha' in the subordinate clause.

Common Mistakes

  • Using the Subjunctive when the subject is the same for both verbs.

    Eu quero que eu viaje amanhã.
    Eu quero viajar amanhã.

    If the subject of both verbs is the same (I want, I travel), you should use the infinitive. The 'que + subjunctive' structure is reserved for when you want someone else to do something.

  • Using the Subjunctive after affirmative verbs of belief like 'achar'.

    Eu acho que ele venha hoje.
    Eu acho que ele vem hoje.

    Verbs of belief or certainty like 'achar' (to think) or 'acreditar' (to believe) take the indicative when affirmative. They only trigger the subjunctive when they are negated (e.g., 'Não acho que ele venha').

  • Using the Future Subjunctive instead of the Present Subjunctive.

    É possível que ele for amanhã.
    É possível que ele vá amanhã.

    The Future Subjunctive is used after conjunctions like 'se' or 'quando'. After expressions of possibility like 'é possível que', you must use the Present Subjunctive.

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 learn the sequence of tenses in the present, you must first be comfortable conjugating verbs in the present subjunctive. You also need to understand how certain verbs or expressions in the main clause (in the present or future tense) trigger the use of the subjunctive in the dependent clause.