Defective Verbs: Understanding Incomplete Conjugations
A complete guide to defective verbs in Portuguese, their characteristics, examples, and how to use them correctly.
By FaleBrasil
Defective verbs are a fascinating peculiarity of the Portuguese language. These verbs do not have complete conjugation in all tenses, moods, or persons, presenting gaps in their conjugation paradigm. Understanding how they work is essential for complete mastery of Portuguese.
What are Defective Verbs?
Defective verbs are those that do not present all forms of conjugation. This defectiveness usually occurs due to phonetic reasons (cacophony), semantic reasons (lack of logical meaning), or simply from disuse of certain forms over time.
Main Characteristics
- Incomplete conjugation: Do not have all verb forms
- Specific gaps: Generally lack some persons of the present indicative
- Cascade effect: Consequently, do not form complete present subjunctive
- Limited imperative: Do not have affirmative imperative in certain persons
Types of Defective Verbs
1. Defective Due to Cacophony
Some verbs are defective because certain conjugations would produce unpleasant sounds or inappropriate words:
| Verb | Avoided Form | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Abolir (to abolish) | “eu abolo” | Sounds awkward |
| Falir (to go bankrupt) | “eu falo” | Confuses with falar (to speak) |
| Colorir (to color) | “eu coloro” | Cacophony |
2. Defective for Semantic Reasons
Verbs that express natural phenomena or actions not performed by people:
- Chover (to rain): Used only in 3rd person singular
- Nevar (to snow): Used only in 3rd person singular
- Amanhecer (to dawn): Mainly used in 3rd person
Main Defective Verbs
Abolir (to abolish)
Existing conjugations in present indicative:
- Tu aboles (you abolish)
- Ele/Ela abole (he/she abolishes)
- Nós abolimos (we abolish)
- Vós abolis (you all abolish)
- Eles/Elas abolem (they abolish)
⚠️ Note: Does not exist: “eu _” (I _), therefore there is also no present subjunctive in 1st person.
Falir (to go bankrupt)
Existing conjugations in present indicative:
- Tu fales
- Ele/Ela fale
- Nós falimos
- Vós falis
- Eles/Elas falem
Colorir (to color)
Similar to the previous ones, first person singular and related forms are avoided.
How to Work Around Defectiveness
When we need to express ideas that would normally use defective forms, we can resort to alternative strategies:
1. Use Synonyms
- Instead of “eu abolo” → use “eu revogo” (I revoke) or “eu anulo” (I annul)
- Instead of “eu falo” (from falir) → use “eu vou à falência” (I go bankrupt)
2. Use Verbal Phrases
- “Estou abolindo” (I am abolishing) instead of the non-existent form
- “Vou colorir” (I am going to color) instead of trying to conjugate in the present
3. Use Other Structures
- Passive voice: “É abolido por mim” (It is abolished by me)
- Derived nouns: “Faço a abolição” (I make the abolition)
Common Defective Verbs
| Verb | Missing Persons | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Abolir | 1st person singular | Cacophony |
| Banir | 1st person singular | Euphony |
| Colorir | 1st person singular | Cacophony |
| Demolir | 1st person singular | Euphony |
| Extorquir | 1st person singular | Cacophony |
| Falir | 1st person singular | Ambiguity |
Importance in Daily Use
Knowing defective verbs is crucial for:
- ✅ Avoiding errors in formal texts
- ✅ Understanding why certain forms “sound strange”
- ✅ Developing creative alternatives in writing
- ✅ Understanding the natural evolution of language
Conclusion
Defective verbs represent a unique aspect of Portuguese that demonstrates how language is alive and adapts to the needs and preferences of speakers. Mastering their use and available alternatives is a sign of advanced proficiency in the language.
💡 Remember: Verbal defectiveness is not a limitation, but rather a characteristic that enriches the expressive possibilities of Portuguese, encouraging creativity and the use of alternative communication resources.