How to use “Eles” and “Elas” with plural Portuguese verbs

Introduction

This article explains how to use eles and elas with plural Portuguese verbs in Brazilian Portuguese. You will learn subject-verb agreement, common verbs, short example sentences, and tips to avoid mistakes in everyday situations like conversations, menus, schedules, and messages.

What are eles and elas?

Eles and elas are third-person plural subject pronouns in Brazilian Portuguese. Use eles for a group of males or a mixed-gender group. Use elas for a group of only females.

Both pronouns require plural verb forms. The verb endings change depending on tense and conjugation group, but the idea of agreement is the same: plural subject => plural verb.

Present tense basics: regular verbs

In the present indicative, regular verbs in Portuguese fall into three groups, ending in -ar, -er, and -ir. For each group, the third-person plural ending is consistent.

Examples with the verb conversar (to talk), comer (to eat), and abrir (to open):

Eles conversam — They talk.

Elas conversam — They talk.

Eles comem — They eat.

Elas comem — They eat.

Eles abrem — They open.

Elas abrem — They open.

Why the endings differ by verb group

Verb endings show person and number. For third-person plural in the present:

-ar verbs: -am (eles/elas falam)

-er verbs: -em (eles/elas comem)

-ir verbs: -em (eles/elas abrem)

Note that -er and -ir verbs share -em in the present, so you will see many plural verbs ending in -em.

Common present tense phrases for beginners

Short practical sentences you might hear or use:

Eles estão aqui — They are here. (estar + gerund/participle)

Elas estão no trabalho — They are at work.

Eles moram perto — They live nearby.

Elas estudam português — They study Portuguese.

Eles gostam de futebol — They like soccer.

Elas trabalham hoje — They work today.

Past tense: preterite (simple past) for eles and elas

For completed past actions, the simple past (pretérito perfeito) has specific plural endings. Regular verb endings are:

-ar verbs: -aram (eles/elas falaram)

-er verbs: -eram (eles/elas comeram)

-ir verbs: -iram (eles/elas abriram)

Examples:

Eles falaram com o chefe — They spoke with the boss.

Elas comeram no restaurante — They ate at the restaurant.

Eles abriram a janela — They opened the window.

Useful past tense phrases for real situations

Elas chegaram cedo — They arrived early. (arrival in schedules)

Eles pagaram a conta — They paid the bill. (restaurant or service)

Elas viajaram ontem — They traveled yesterday. (simple travel sentence)

Future and conditional forms

To talk about future actions, use the future indicative or ir + infinitive. For beginners, ir + infinitive is easier and very common.

Conjugation of ir in present for eles/elas is eles vão and elas vão. After that, use the infinitive verb:

Eles vão estudar — They are going to study.

Elas vão trabalhar — They are going to work.

Simple future indicative also changes the verb ending. Example with estudar:

Eles estudarão — They will study.

Elas estudarão — They will study.

Reflexive and object pronouns with eles/elas

When sentences include reflexive or object pronouns, the verb still agrees in plural. Reflexive pronoun for third person plural is se.

Eles se ajudam — They help each other.

Elas se conhecem — They know each other.

Direct and indirect object pronouns follow placement rules but do not change the verb conjugation.

Eu os vi — I saw them (masculine or mixed group). Note os is used as a direct object pronoun.

Eu as vi — I saw them (feminine). Note as is used as a direct object pronoun.

Negative sentences and questions

To make a sentence negative, place não before the verb. The verb remains plural to agree with eles or elas.

Eles não vêm hoje — They are not coming today.

Elas não trabalham aos domingos — They do not work on Sundays.

For questions, invert word order or use rising intonation; verb stays plural.

Eles vão ao mercado? — Are they going to the market?

Elas estudam à tarde? — Do they study in the afternoon?

Common beginner mistakes and how to avoid them

Beginners often mix singular and plural forms or confuse eles and elas. Tips to avoid errors:

1. Identify the group’s gender before conjugating. If at least one male is present, use eles.

2. Match the verb ending to plural forms: -am for -ar verbs, -em for many -er/-ir present forms, and -aram/-eram/-iram for preterite.

3. Pay attention to irregular verbs. Some common verbs like ser, ir, estar, and ter have irregular plural forms you should memorize.

Examples of irregular verbs:

Eles são — They are (from ser).

Elas são — They are.

Eles foram — They went/they were (preterite of ir/ser).

Elas foram — They went/they were.

Practical vocabulary and phrases using eles and elas

Useful nouns and words you will see paired with eles or elas:

os amigos — the friends (masculine or mixed)

as amigas — the friends (feminine)

os alunos — the students (masculine or mixed)

as alunas — the students (feminine)

os pais — the parents

as mães — the mothers

Sample messages and short texts:

Eles vão chegar às 14:00
They are going to arrive at 2:00 PM. Example for schedules or appointment messages.

Elas vão ao mercado toda semana
They go to the market every week. A common routine sentence.

Os alunos estudam na biblioteca
The students study in the library.

As alunas passaram no exame
The female students passed the exam.

Mini practice exercises

Transform the singular sentences into plural with either eles or elas. Answers follow each sentence.

1. Ele fala com a professora. — Eles falam com a professora.

2. Ela come pão. — Elas comem pão.

3. Ele abriu a porta. — Eles abriram a porta.

4. Ela está cansada. — Elas estão cansadas.

5. Ele foi ao banco. — Eles foram ao banco.

Quick reference: verb endings chart (present and preterite)

Present tense third-person plural

-ar: -am (falar -> falam)

-er: -em (comer -> comem)

-ir: -em (abrir -> abrem)

Preterite third-person plural

-ar: -aram (falar -> falaram)

-er: -eram (comer -> comeram)

-ir: -iram (abrir -> abriram)

Everyday contexts to practice eles and elas

Practice in simple real-life situations:

1. At a restaurant: Look at the receipt or talk about a group. Eles pagaram a conta.

2. On a bus or train: Announcements or conversations about passengers. Elas descem na próxima parada.

3. Messaging: Short group chats. Eles já chegaram?

4. Schedules: Timetables and appointment confirmations. Elas começam às nove.

Final tips for steady improvement

Focus on recognition first: listen for eles and elas in audio and identify the verb forms that follow. Practice with short, realistic sentences. Memorize a few irregular plural forms like são, estão, foram, and têm. Use the ir + infinitive structure when unsure about future conjugations.

Conclusion

Understanding how to use eles and elas with plural verbs is essential for basic Brazilian Portuguese communication. Remember to match gender and number, memorize common irregulars, and practice with everyday sentences like announcements, messages, and schedules. With targeted practice, plural agreement will become natural.