Common Anglicisms to Avoid

Questions about Common Anglicisms

Q: Why is it Tenho 24 anos and NOT Sou 24 anos?
Portuguese uses the verb ter (to have), not ser/estar (to be), for age and certain states:

• Tenho 24 anos.

• Tenho fome.

• Tenho sede.

• Tenho medo.

👉 Do NOT translate directly from English “I am…”

Q: Can I write Ele foi dito a história pelo filho?
No. Portuguese, like Spanish, does not allow the indirect object to become the subject in a passive sentence.

👉 Instead:

• A história foi contada a ele pelo filho.

👉 More natural:

• O filho contou-lhe a história.

👉 Or:

• Contou-se a história.

Q: Why is it Eles deram-mo / Eles mo deram and NOT Eles deram me o?
Object pronouns must follow specific placement rules:

• before the verb (proclisis)

• or attached to the verb (enclisis)

• Eles mo deram.

• Eles deram-mo.

👉 Do NOT separate pronouns:

• ❌ deram me o

Q: Why is it Apresento-te a Clara and NOT Introduzo-te a Clara?
The verb introduzir in Portuguese refers to introducing a topic or concept, not a person.

👉 For people, use:

• apresentar

• Apresento-te a Clara.

🔑 Key differences (EP vs English)

• Use ter, not “to be” for age/states

• Passive structures are more limited

• Pronoun placement follows strict rules

• Avoid false friends (introduzir ≠ introduce a person)The Globe and Mail: Canadian, World, Politics and Business News & Analysis