Word order
Subject-verb-object, and the subject is usually left out.
(Eu) comprei um livro. — I bought a book.
Adjectives follow the noun
uma casa grande, um carro vermelho. That is the default, and it is neutral.
Putting the adjective first changes the meaning or adds feeling:
| after | before |
|---|---|
| um homem grande — a big man | um grande homem — a great man |
| um amigo velho — an elderly friend | um velho amigo — an old friend |
| um livro certo — a correct book | um certo livro — a certain book |
Dislocation
Spoken Portuguese fronts the topic and then resumes it. This is not sloppy; it is the ordinary shape of conversation.
- O pão, comprei-o ontem. — The bread, I bought it yesterday.
- Esse filme, já o vi. — That film, I've seen it.
Object pronoun position
Covered in Pronouns, but it belongs here too: Portugal hooks them onto the back of the verb, Brazil puts them in front, and in Portugal they jump forward after a negative or a question word. Chamo-me Ana but Não me chamo Ana.
Adverbs
Usually after the verb: Falo bem português. Time expressions go at either end: Ontem fui ao mercado or Fui ao mercado ontem.
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