VERB TO BE (SER) - PRESENT TENSE

The verb “SER” is one of the 4 irregular verbs that students have to memorize when studying the present tense. The remaining irregular verbs that all students must know are: ESTAR (to be), TER (to have), and IR (to go).

In Portuguese, we have two verbs that translate to the English verb “To be.” The first one is the verb “SER,” and the second one is the verb “ESTAR.”

We use the verb “SER” for permanent descriptions. For example, “I am Portuguese” in Portuguese, “Eu sou português” is an example of a permanent description. I am Portuguese, and I will be Portuguese until the last of my days.

 In Portuguese, when studying the present tense, students encounter a very long list of irregular verbs. Is it important to memorize all irregular verbs in Portuguese?

PRO TIP: The answer is NO! Even if students try to memorize all irregular verbs, they won’t be able to use that information during a conversation in Portuguese. In our opinion, it is ESSENTIAL to memorize the verbs SER, ESTAR, TER, and IR.

All other irregular verbs should be learned through conversational activities and exposure to the language. BUT, this verb, the verb “SER,” is CRUCIAL! This is one of those cases where students really need to memorize it! 

To listen to the AUDIO in Portuguese, go to OPTIONS and switch the AUDIO to ON. To turn on the AUDIO, go to FLASHCARDS and click on the COG WHEEL (top right).

To learn and consolidate this list, you should follow the following STUDY METHOD:

1-FLASH CARDS

2-LEARN

3-SPELL

4-ASSESS

5-COMBINE

Happy studying!