Hello everyone!

Queria destacar para vocês, sendo que são aprendizes bem ligados aos detalhes da nossa lingua inglesa, um verbo bem útil: to become.

This verb has many meanings in English which cover the use of several Portuguese verbs: chegar a ser, tornar-se, virar, ficar, and fazer-se. Let’s take a look.

When you are describing someone gaining a new position, or otherwise accomplishing an intellectual feat, ‘to become’ is used where you would use ‘chegar a ser.’ Example: After years of hard work, he finally became head of the company.

When a Portuguese speaker would describe a change of character using the verb ‘virar,’ it is acceptable to use ‘to become’ in English, though I believe ‘virar’ translates much better as ‘turn into.’ Example: My buddy doesn’t want to go out tonight… I think he’s turned into a fun-sponge. [note: 'fun-sponge' é uma giria nossa ótima, significa alguem que não gosta de curtir ou se divertir.]

For changes of state where Portuguese speakers would say ‘ficar…’ it’s usually okay to say ‘to become.’ Examples: He became really embarrassed.

How about substituting ‘tornar-se em’ in the sense of ‘becoming’ something, like a writer or musician? Again, ‘to become’ works perfectly. Example: I kept practicing and eventually became a great singer.

The last way you can use ‘become’ in English is a way of translating ‘fazer-se.’ Example: You can become rich by working hard and keeping a good attitude.

Thanks to Alessandro for setting me up to contribute to English Experts.

Hello there!

I am Roberto Rocha, collaborator of the English Experts that once wrote some articles about the “marvelous city” and some of its attractions.

Well, I’m back here to write very interesting weekly articles on subject which will help you improve your English and make you have fun as well.

Once I was browsing at youtube when I came across smart parrots, those very special green birds, sometimes gray but equally or even more intelligent than the green ones. And believe it or not they´re able to speak English.

I myself had one a few years ago which brought me nice moments of joy and laugh.

There is a parrot at a Zoo in the U.S that is simply a sensation. He can answer questions, whistle, sing, imitate other animals, dance and a lot more. He gives three shows a day at the Zoo and he never refuses to answer any question. Sometimes he attends talk shows.

Watch for yourself his performance at one of his presentation at a TV program named “Animal Planet”.

Very funny, isn’t it? I hope you have enjoyed it…

See ya soon!