That cedilla is that sign that appears under the letter C you already know, don't you? But the truth is that not everyone knows when and how to use cedilla, and there are spelling mistakes that could be avoided with a simple dictionary lookup.
To put an end to the dilemma involving the use of “ç”, we will show you in an easy and summarized way the situations in which it should be used. Let's go to the rules!
Ç usage rules
⇒ We use Ç in words derived from words ending in -to, -tor and -tivo:
Editor - editorial
singer - song
except – exception
Introspective - introspection
⇒ We use Ç in nouns ending in -tention derived from verbs ending in -ter:
retain - retain
Maintain - Maintenance
⇒ We use Ç in verbs ending in -çar when the equivalent noun ends in -ce or -ço:
reach - reach
hug - hug
Address - address
⇒ We use Ç in nouns ending in -tion when these derive from verbs that have lost the letter R:
match - match
Predicate - predication
signify - meaning
share - share
Knowing the rules helps a lot when writing, especially in the case of words that have phonemes that can cause errors, such as Ç. But what's really cool is reading a lot, because whoever reads understands how the language works and how grammar rules are applied. Read on, but don't forget to put into practice everything you've learned by training in writing. Good studies!
By Luana Castro
Graduated in Letters
