When learning a new language, understanding prepositions is crucial as they play a significant role in indicating relationships between words. In Portuguese, a Romance language spoken by over 200 million people worldwide, prepositions of agency are particularly important. These prepositions establish the connection between an action and the agent or doer of that action. In this article, we will explore the concept of prepositions of agency in Portuguese, provide examples, and discuss their usage.
Definition and Purpose of Prepositions of Agency
Prepositions of agency in Portuguese are used to indicate the agent or doer of an action. They establish the link between the verb and the person or entity responsible for performing the action. These prepositions allow us to express the active role of an agent in a sentence. The most common prepositions of agency in Portuguese are “por” and “de.”
The Preposition “Por”
The preposition “por” is widely used in Portuguese to express agency. It can be translated into English as “by” or “through” in this context. Let’s look at some examples:
O livro foi escrito por Miguel.
(The book was written by Miguel.)
A música foi composta por Tom Jobim.
(The song was composed by Tom Jobim.)
A casa foi construída por meu pai.
(The house was built by my father.)
In these sentences, “por” indicates the agent or doer of the action. Miguel wrote the book, Tom Jobim composed the song, and my father built the house. The use of “por” makes it clear who performed the action and emphasizes their active role.
The Preposition “De”
The preposition “de” is also used as a preposition of agency in Portuguese. It can be translated as “by” or “of” in English, depending on the context. Let’s see some examples:
O quadro foi pintado pelos artistas famosos.
(The painting was done by the famous artists.)
A estátua foi esculpida pelo escultor renomado.
(The statue was sculpted by the renowned sculptor.)
O bolo foi feito pelas confeiteiras habilidosas.
(The cake was made by the skillful bakers.)
In these sentences, “de” establishes the connection between the verb and the agent. The famous artists painted the painting, the renowned sculptor sculpted the statue, and the skillful bakers made the cake. The preposition “de” clarifies the role of the agent in the action.
Differentiating “Por” and “De”
While both “por” and “de” can be used as prepositions of agency, there is a subtle difference between them. “Por” is more commonly used to express agency when the action is performed by a person. On the other hand, “de” is often used when the agent is an inanimate object or a non-human entity. However, there are instances where both prepositions can be used interchangeably.
O prato foi preparado por/dos chefs renomados.
(The dish was prepared by the renowned chefs.)
A carta foi escrita por/dos secretários do presidente.
(The letter was written by the president’s secretaries.)
In these examples, both “por” and “de” can be used to express agency. The choice between them depends on personal preference and regional variations. It’s important to note that the usage of prepositions can vary across different Portuguese-speaking regions, so it’s advisable to consult local resources or speakers for specific usage guidelines.
Additional Prepositions of Agency
Apart from “por” and “de,” there are other prepositions that can also express agency in Portuguese. While these prepositions are less commonly used, they provide additional options for indicating the agent in a sentence. Let’s explore some examples:
A casa foi vendida mediante um acordo.
(The house was sold by means of an agreement.)
O problema foi resolvido graças ao trabalho em equipe.
(The problem was solved thanks to teamwork.)
O relatório foi elaborado conforme as instruções do chefe.
(The report was prepared according to the boss’s instructions.)
In these sentences, “mediante,” “graças a,” and “conforme” are used as prepositions of agency. They establish the link between the action and the agent, indicating how the action was performed or the circumstances surrounding it.
Conclusion
Prepositions of agency play a vital role in Portuguese sentences by indicating the agent or doer of an action. The prepositions “por” and “de” are commonly used for this purpose. While “por” is often used when the agent is a person, “de” is more suitable for inanimate objects or non-human entities. However, there can be overlap and regional variations in their usage. Additionally, other prepositions such as “mediante,” “graças a,” and “conforme” can also express agency in specific contexts. By understanding and correctly using these prepositions, learners of Portuguese can convey the active role of an agent in a sentence effectively..
Originally posted 2023-07-14 14:46:18.