Introduction

This is not so much a language course in the traditional sense - it is more of a study companion, which attempts to explain the things that you need to know to be successful in learning Portuguese. I have used technical terms where I felt it was necessary or useful, but have always attempted to explain what they mean as understandably as I can, and I have worked on the assumption that you know absolutely nothing about grammar already.

I have tried to make liberal use of the more common technical terms, because I think it is good not only to know what they mean, but also to become familiar with them. That way, you at least have a fighting chance when studying other reference works. I have also tried to avoid using terms that have not already been explained – so hopefully you should be able to read this through from beginning to end and gain a progressive understanding. There is also a glossary at the end for handy reference when you forget what a term means.