para que + Subjunctive
So That (Purpose)
Para que (so that) is a conjunction used to explain why someone does something. It always requires the subjunctive mood because it describes a desired goal, not a guaranteed fact.
How It Works
In Portuguese, para que is the standard way to introduce a purpose clause. Because a purpose is an intention or a wish rather than a completed reality, the verb that follows must be in the subjunctive.
1. Tense Harmony:
- If the main verb is in the present or future, use the Present Subjunctive. (e.g., Trabalho para que eles tenham tudo.)
- If the main verb is in the past or the Conditional, use the Imperfect Subjunctive. (e.g., Eu faria tudo para que você fosse feliz.)
2. Spoken vs. Formal:
In casual speech, especially in Brazil, para is often shortened to pra, so you will frequently hear pra que. In formal writing, you might see a fim de que, de modo que, or de forma que, which function exactly the same way.
3. The Personal Infinitive Alternative:
When the subject changes, Portuguese speakers often prefer using Personal Infinitive instead of the subjunctive. This is very common in natural speech:
- Subjunctive: Falei alto para que eles ouvissem.
- Personal Infinitive: Falei alto para eles ouvirem.
4. Subject Change Rule:
Compare these two structures:
- Eu estudo para passar. (I study [in order] to pass. Subject is the same: 'I').
- Eu estudo para que meu filho passe. (I study so that my son passes. Subject changes from 'I' to 'son').
Examples (4)
- Vou falar devagar para que todos entendam.
I will speak slowly so that everyone understands.
Word by Word: I go to speak slowly for that all understand.
The main verb is in the future (vou falar), so 'entender' is in the present subjunctive (entendam).
- Ele abriu a porta para que os convidados pudessem entrar.
He opened the door so that the guests could enter.
Word by Word: He opened the door for that the guests could enter.
The main verb is in the past (abriu), so 'poder' changes to the imperfect subjunctive (pudessem).
- Me empresta o livro pra que eu possa ler hoje?
Can you lend me the book so I can read it today?
Word by Word: Me lend the book for that I can read today?
This uses the informal 'pra que' and the present subjunctive 'possa'.
- Trabalhamos muito para que nossa família tenha uma vida boa.
We work hard so that our family has a good life.
Word by Word: We work much for that our family has a life good.
The subject changes from 'we' (trabalhamos) to 'family' (tenha).
Common Mistakes
Using the indicative mood instead of the subjunctive.
Falo alto para que você me ouve.Falo alto para que você me ouça.After 'para que', the verb must always be in the subjunctive because it represents a goal, not a statement of fact.
Using 'para que' when the subject does not change.
Eu como bem para que eu seja saudável.Eu como bem para ser saudável.If the subject is the same (I eat / I am), it is much more natural to use 'para + infinitive' instead of the 'para que' clause.
How It Connects
Learn This First
To use 'para que + subjuntivo', you first need to understand the basic use of 'para' for purpose. You must also be familiar with the present subjunctive verb forms, as this conjunction always triggers the subjunctive mood to express an intended outcome or goal.
- paraPara Uses
Understanding the basic preposition 'para' to express purpose is the foundation for using the conjunction 'para que'.
Level 2 - -e/-es/-e/-emos/-eis/-emPresente Do Subjuntivo -AR
The pattern requires knowledge of how to conjugate verbs in the present subjunctive mood.
Level 3 - queRelative Pronoun Que
The particle 'que' acts as the subordinator that triggers the shift from a simple prepositional phrase to a subordinate clause.
Level 3
Related Patterns
- Personal Infinitive
A common alternative to 'para que + subjunctive' when the subject changes, especially in spoken Portuguese.
Level 3 - Sequence of Tenses (Present)
Governs which subjunctive tense to use based on the tense of the main verb.
Level 5 - Sequence of Tenses (Past)
Explains the relationship between past main verbs and the imperfect subjunctive in the purpose clause.
Level 5
Words in This Pattern
Practice para que + Subjunctive in Bubblegum
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