Among all those subjects related to grammar that we are already aware of, there is also one of fundamental importance, which always appears at the time we write. Have you guessed it?
It's the backbone we're talking about, represented by that little sign that looks like an acute accent, but just the opposite, remember?
Now that you've figured it out, it's good to know that this sign is given a name – it's called a grave accent, and it does part of that set of graphic accents, such as the tilde, the caret, the acute, between others. In this way, never confuse grave accent with back-to-back, because back-to-back is the fusion, the meeting of two identical vowels, and what determines its existence is exactly the accent. This encounter can take place between the preposition "a" and the definite article "a", which forms "à", as can also occur between the definite article "a" and some demonstrative pronouns, such as:
a + that = that - I will go to that grove.
a + that = that – Yesterday, we went to that square for a delicious ice cream.
a + that = that – Pay attention to that, it looks like a strange object.
But, after all, when should we use the backline? Or is it that in certain situations its use is not recommended? Know that there are, yes, specific cases that require the use of the backquote, and others in which we cannot use it.
So, so that we can stay well informed about this subject, and especially so that we know how to use the backline correctly, here are some sensational tips:
Cases in which we should use it:
* In situations where there is a term that requires two basic elements: the preposition “a” + the feminine article “a”. Note the examples:
I refer to the dear teacher.
When we make reference, we refer to someone, and teacher is a feminine word. Do you understand now?
But are there other ways to find out if the backlash exists or not? Pay attention, as this tip is also foolproof:
It's just a matter of replacing the feminine word with a masculine one. If the combination of article “a” + article “a” occurs in this substitution, which forms “ao”, that's it! You have already unraveled the mystery: the crasis exists!
Watch:
The tribute was paid to the teacher.
The tribute was paid to the professor.
* Before geographic names. See some examples:
We will go to Bahia.
In this case, a good tip is to substitute the verb of the sentence for “back”. If the result is “back from”, the back is necessary. Look:
We returned from Bahia. Now look at this other case:
We will travel to Rome.
We will return from Rome. If the result is “return from”, do not use the backquote.
* This other case is similar to the first one, that is, given the demonstrative pronouns in which there was a need to use the preposition, the crasis will also be there. Let's go to some examples?
We offer help to those elderly people.
Whenever we offer help, we offer it to someone, so the use of the preposition is necessary.
We deliver toys to those children in the day care center.
* Before female locutions, such as these represented here:
sometimes, in the evening, in the afternoon, in a hurry, looking for, as you, waiting for, among others. Note some examples:
I am waiting for the next vacation, as I will make an unforgettable trip.
In the afternoon we will have a wonderful tour.
Cases in which we should not use the backquote:
* Before masculine words. Note:
On the farm, our best fun is horseback riding.
Wait, don't walk as it's too far.
* Before verbs that are in the infinitive, that is, in their original form.Check:
Suddenly it started to rain.
When we arrived, Dad was singing with his friends.
* Before words written in the plural. Look:
I often go to my friends' birthday parties.
* Before numeral:
The number of guests for the party already reaches two hundred.
But beware! If the number indicates hours, we have an adverbial phrase. In that case, we must use the backquote. Take the example:
The surprise we've prepared for Mom will be at eight o'clock.
* Before the word "home":
My friends returned home yesterday.
Here, we have no idea which house it is, so we don't use the crasis. If the word house is determined, the crasis is confirmed. Look:
Soon, we will return to my grandparents' house. The house is now determined (from my grandparents).
* Before pronouns that require the use of the article:
All gifts were delivered to me.
We'll break the news to her.
Grandpa is the person to whom I dedicate this tribute.
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