You verbs "saw" and "close" exist in the Portuguese language. the fact that they are homophones, that is, having the same sound, makes many people confuse their orthography. However, it is necessary to know how to differentiate them, as they must be used in different contexts.
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After all, what is the difference between “sawing” and “closing”?
Despite being homophones, the words "saw" and "close" are paronyms, that is, they are written similarly, but not the same, and have different meanings:
- sawing basically means “cut”;
- close basically means “close” or “to cover”.
However, we will see that its use can be more comprehensive depending on the context.
When to correctly use “saw”?
The verb "saw" means cut or split using a saw or a saw, being related to sawing work, in locksmiths. Therefore, terms such as “sawsaw”, “electric saw”, among other derivatives of this action, are written with the letter “s”.
The verb "to saw" is not governed by preposition.
- We need sawseveral boards in a short time.
- There was not sawadOenough that day.
The parlenda “Serra, serrador” is another example:
"Saw, saw, saw,
Mountain range Grandpa's stuff...
how many boards already sawed?”
Synonyms for "saw"
- cut
- split
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When to correctly use “close”?
Although not very common in the Portuguese language, the verb “close” exists and can mean: to close, cover, seal, strongly unite and also cover, hide, hide, cover.
The verb “close” can be a direct transitive verb (ie, no being governed by preposition), when meaning close. It can be a pronominal verb (that is, a verb accompanied by pronoun: “closeup”), when meaning to cover up. In less common usage, it can mean to end or end, being also a pronominal verb in this case.
- I will close the windows if you notice that rain is coming.
- the way was closed due to the works that were taking place.
- Is it over there closed the fists with a frown.
- closed the sky amidst the clouds.
- closed the discussion with a lot of heartache on both sides.
Synonyms of close
- close, cover, seal, block, bind tightly
- cover, hide, hide, cover
- close, finish
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solved exercises
Question 1 - Read the following statements:
(i) What a tiring day! Now, I just want to saw my eyes to rest...
(ii) Saw a lot of wood today, I'm exhausted!
(iii) It is necessary to close many trees to produce paper.
(iv) Please close this door as I don't want it open.
Tick the alternative that indicates which statements are written according to the proper spelling of “saw” and “close”.
A) (i) and (iii)
B) (i) and (iv)
C) (ii) and (iii)
D) (ii) and (iv)
Resolution
Alternative D. In statement (i), the correct thing would be to “close”; in statement (iii), the correct thing would be “saw”.
Question 2 - Fill in the following statements using “saw” or “close”.
A) I want to ______ the lecture shortly.
B) How many trees do we need ______ to make a book?
C) Cannot ______ this window, it is stuck!
Resolution
A) "close"
B) "saw"
C) "close"
By Guilherme Viana
grammar teacher
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
VIANA, William. "Saw or close?"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/gramatica/serrar-ou-cerrar.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
