Expressing uncertainty

# Expressing Uncertainty in Portuguese

The Subjunctive as the Mode of Doubt

Portuguese uses the subjunctive mood extensively to express uncertainty, doubt, and possibility. At C1 level, mastering these nuances is essential.

Key Structures

1. Talvez + Subjunctive

• Talvez ele venha amanhã. (Perhaps he will come tomorrow.)
• Always triggers the subjunctive when placed before the verb.

2. É possível que / É provável que + Subjunctive

• É possível que haja alterações. (It is possible there will be changes.)
• É provável que cheguem atrasados. (It is likely they will arrive late.)

3. Duvidar que + Subjunctive

• Duvido que isso funcione. (I doubt that will work.)

The Future Subjunctive for Hypothetical Conditions

• Se porventura houver problemas, contacte-nos. (Should there happen to be problems, contact us.)
• Quando eventualmente decidirmos, informaremos. (When we eventually decide, we will inform.)

Hedging with Adverbs

• Adverb → Degree of Certainty
• Certamente → High
• Provavelmente → Medium-high
• Possivelmente → Medium
• Porventura → Low-medium
• Eventualmente → Low

The Conditional for Polite Uncertainty

• Diria que é possível. (I would say it is possible.)
• Seria presumível que houvesse mudanças. (It would be presumable there would be changes.)

Note: European Portuguese tends to use more formal hedging structures than Brazilian Portuguese, especially in academic and professional contexts.