Optional crasis: 3 cases to always remember

You already know that there are rules for using the backtack. It can be used in certain situations, however it should not be used in others.

Now, let's talk about when the use of the backquote is optional. It's simple, because there are only three cases. Shall we go to them?

When the back is optional

1. After the preposition "until"

Examples:

• I'm going to college now. OR I'm going to college now.
• Are we going to the fair? OR Are we going to the fair?
• I went to the store in the morning. OR I went to the store in the morning.

Explanation:

The back is the junction of the preposition "a" with the article "a". In order not to write “I'm going to the beach”, we use the grave accent to indicate this sum (a + a).

Well, "until" is a preposition and, therefore, there is no sum of "a + a": I will up to college.

But, we can also say "until". “Up to a” is a prepositional phrase and, in this case, there is the sum of “a + a”: “I'll until the college" is the same as "I will up to college".

Therefore, both forms are correct: "to" or "to".

read:

• Preposition
• prepositional phrase
• Definite and indefinite article
• Graphic accentuation

1.1. "Until" before hours

Before the indication of a time, we use a crase, but if the preposition “until” comes before the hours, its use is optional.

Examples:

• I will arrive at the restaurant until 8pm. OR I will arrive at the restaurant until 8pm.
• The doctor will see the patient until 14:00. OR The doctor will see the patient until 2 pm.
• Until 11 am I must call you. OR Until 11 am I must call you.

2. Before female proper names

Examples:

• It's hard for Maria to see her son suffer. OR It costs Mary to see her child suffer.
• Obey Joan! OR Obey Joan!
• He informed Ana. OR Informed Ana.

Explanation:

The use of the article is optional before female proper names:

• Mary is a sympathy. OR Mary is a sympathy.
• Joan is English. OR Joana is English.
• Ana is late. OR Ana is late.

Since there is no article “a” there will only be the presence of the preposition “a”, therefore, there is no crasis.

However, if we consider the preposition and the article (a + a), then there is a crasis. Both options are correct.

3. Before possessive pronouns

Examples:

• We will not go to your house. OR We will not come to your house.
• Do you want to watch our report? OR Do you want to watch our report?
• Let's go to my home! OR Let's go to my house!

Explanation:

The use of the article is also optional before possessive pronouns. That's why before them, the use or not of the backline is correct:

• Your house is beautiful. OR Your house is beautiful.
• Our report is great. OR Our report is great.
• My house is a mess! OR My house is a mess!

To remember: the feminine possessive pronouns are: mine(s), your(s), your(s), our(s), your(s).

Exercises

Indicate the sentences in which the use of the crase is optional.

1. Today I go to college.
2. Did you give the book to Maria?
3. They offered your mother flowers.
4. The fight was detrimental to our relationship.
5. I think we'll be arriving after 2:00.
6. We return until 11 pm.
7. How about we go to João's house?
8. She came face to face with her favorite singer.
9. I'm going to Italy on vacation.
10. Spend your life speaking ill.

See Answer

The use of the back is optional in the following sentences:

• 2 - because it comes before a female first name (Maria).
• 3 and 4 - because it comes before possessive pronouns (yours and ours).
• 6 and 7 - because it comes after the preposition "until".

Learn more about the crasis:

• Crasis: all about the crasis! When to use and tips
• Super easy tips for knowing when to use CRASE
• Crasis: usage rules
• back exercises