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Definite articles in idiomatic expressions Exercises in Portuguese language
Mastering the use of definite articles in idiomatic expressions is crucial for achieving fluency in Portuguese. Unlike in English, where the definite article "the" is consistently used, Portuguese utilizes "o," "a," "os," and "as" with a variety of idiomatic expressions that can often seem perplexing to learners. These expressions are deeply ingrained in the language and culture, making it essential to understand their correct usage to communicate effectively and naturally. Whether you're talking about everyday activities, emotions, or common sayings, knowing when and how to use these articles will significantly enhance your comprehension and speaking skills.
In Portuguese, definite articles often accompany idiomatic expressions to convey specific meanings or nuances that might be lost if translated directly into English. For instance, phrases like "dar o braço a torcer" (to give in) or "ter os pés no chão" (to be grounded) incorporate definite articles in ways that might not immediately make sense to an English speaker. Through targeted grammar exercises, you will not only learn these expressions but also understand the underlying rules that govern their usage. This will allow you to navigate conversations with greater confidence and precision, making your Portuguese sound more authentic and idiomatic.
Exercise 1
<p>1. Ele foi *à* praia no fim de semana (definite article for feminine singular nouns).</p>
<p>2. A comida no restaurante era *a* melhor da cidade (definite article for feminine singular nouns).</p>
<p>3. *O* carro do João é vermelho (definite article for masculine singular nouns).</p>
<p>4. Eles moram *no* centro da cidade (definite article for masculine singular nouns, combined with preposition "em").</p>
<p>5. Vou pegar *a* minha carteira (definite article for feminine singular nouns).</p>
<p>6. *Os* livros estão na estante (definite article for masculine plural nouns).</p>
<p>7. Ela vai *ao* médico amanhã (definite article for masculine singular nouns, combined with preposition "a").</p>
<p>8. O cachorro está *no* quintal (definite article for masculine singular nouns, combined with preposition "em").</p>
<p>9. *A* reunião começa às nove horas (definite article for feminine singular nouns).</p>
<p>10. Eles assistiram *ao* jogo juntos (definite article for masculine singular nouns, combined with preposition "a").</p>
Exercise 2
<p>1. Ele foi *ao* cinema ontem à noite (definite article for "cinema").</p>
<p>2. Nós vamos *à* festa de aniversário no sábado (definite article for "festa").</p>
<p>3. Você leu *o* livro que te emprestei? (definite article for "livro").</p>
<p>4. Eles estão *na* praia aproveitando o sol (definite article for "praia").</p>
<p>5. Ela comprou flores *no* mercado (definite article for "mercado").</p>
<p>6. Nós chegamos *ao* aeroporto com antecedência (definite article for "aeroporto").</p>
<p>7. Ele está *na* escola estudando para a prova (definite article for "escola").</p>
<p>8. Vamos *à* reunião amanhã cedo (definite article for "reunião").</p>
<p>9. Eles sempre almoçam *no* restaurante da esquina (definite article for "restaurante").</p>
<p>10. Ela deixou o carro *na* garagem (definite article for "garagem").</p>
Exercise 3
<p>1. Ela foi *à* praia ontem (preposition + definite article for feminine singular noun).</p>
<p>2. Ele colocou a chave *na* mesa (preposition + definite article for feminine singular noun).</p>
<p>3. Nós vamos *ao* cinema hoje à noite (preposition + definite article for masculine singular noun).</p>
<p>4. Eles estavam *no* parque durante a tarde (preposition + definite article for masculine singular noun).</p>
<p>5. As crianças brincam *no* jardim todos os dias (preposition + definite article for masculine singular noun).</p>
<p>6. Vou *à* escola todos os dias (preposition + definite article for feminine singular noun).</p>
<p>7. Ela mora *no* Brasil há muitos anos (preposition + definite article for masculine singular noun).</p>
<p>8. Eles foram *à* festa de aniversário (preposition + definite article for feminine singular noun).</p>
<p>9. O gato está *na* cozinha (preposition + definite article for feminine singular noun).</p>
<p>10. Nós vamos *ao* mercado comprar frutas (preposition + definite article for masculine singular noun).</p>