Introduction to the Indeterminate Subject

Relevance of the Topic

The concept of the indeterminate subject is one of the fundamental pillars of grammar study in the Portuguese language. Understanding this structure allows for comprehending and producing different forms of expression in the language, enriching communication both orally and in writing.

It is not uncommon to find this type of subject in everyday textual productions, such as news, stories, chronicles, and even in advertisements. Therefore, mastering the indeterminate subject is a matter of communicative competence.

Contextualization

The study of the indeterminate subject is an important component within syntax, the part of grammar that studies the function of words in a sentence and how they relate to each other.

Integrated with the other components of the sentence (verbs, objects, complements, etc.), the indeterminate subject is essential for forming complete and coherent sentences. This theme is one of many that make up the grammatical structure that will be progressively studied during Elementary School.

Theoretical Development

Components

• Indeterminate Subject: This is the type of subject that is not specified in the sentence, either because it is not necessary for the sentence's meaning, or because it is not wanted or possible to identify it. The indeterminate subject is an element that contributes to the diversity and flexibility of the language, allowing for expressing ideas in a less direct manner.

• Ways of Indetermining the Subject: There are two main ways to indeterminate the subject in a sentence. One is using the verb in the third person plural without referring to a previously mentioned subject. The other is the use of the pronoun 'se' as a passivating particle, accompanied by the verb in the third person singular.

• Sentence without Subject: It is important not to confuse the indeterminate subject with the sentence without a subject. The sentence without a subject occurs when the verb does not require a subject to make sense, such as verbs indicating natural phenomena or the passage of time (rain, dawn, etc).

Key Terms

• Pronoun: A word that substitutes or accompanies the noun, indicating its position in relation to the discourse's people or even situating it in space and time.

• Passivating Particle: An element that, associated with the verb, creates a passive relationship, meaning the subject undergoes the action expressed by the verb. In the case of indetermining the subject, 'se' acts as a passivating particle.

• Linking Verb: A verb that connects the subject to its qualities, states, or conditions, not expressing action.

Examples and Cases

• Indetermination through the verb in the third person plural: 'They ate all the pies' (We don't know who ate).

• Indetermination through the use of 'se': 'Employees are needed' (We don't know who needs).

• Comparison with the sentence without subject: 'It dawned early' (The verb does not require a subject).

Detailed Summary

Relevant Points:

• Indeterminate Subject Concept: It is the subject that is not specified in the sentence, either because it is not necessary for the sentence's meaning, or because it is not wanted or possible to identify it. An important tool for flexibility and variety in language.

• Ways of Indetermination: The subject can be indeterminate mainly in two ways: verbs in the third person plural without reference to a predetermined subject and the use of the pronoun 'se' as a passivating particle, accompanied by the verb in the third person singular.

• Differentiation between Indeterminate Subject and Sentence without Subject: The sentence without a subject occurs when the verb does not require a subject to make sense. It is important to be able to identify and differentiate both structures.

Conclusions:

• The study of the indeterminate subject contributes to a broad understanding of syntax in Portuguese, a fundamental structure for communication.

• The two ways of indetermining the subject, through the verb in the third person plural without reference to a predetermined subject and the use of the pronoun 'se' as a passivating particle, expand the possibilities of expression in the Portuguese language.

• Distinguishing between the indeterminate subject and the sentence without subject is crucial for the correct interpretation and construction of sentences.

Exercises:

1. Identify the indeterminate subject in the following sentences: 'They talked about tomorrow's test' and 'Volunteers are needed'.

2. Rewrite the following sentence by indetermining the subject: 'The students did the homework'.

3. Write a sentence with an indeterminate subject and another with a sentence without a subject, and explain the differences.