Seráque

Seráque is a nonstandard or informal spelling sometimes encountered for the standard Portuguese expression “será que.” In standard orthography, this interrogative phrase is written as two words: “será” (the future form of the verb ser) and “que” (a conjunction used to introduce a subordinate clause). The expression roughly means “I wonder if” or “could it be that” and is used to introduce a tentative or speculative question.

Etymology and form: The conventional form derives from the verb ser combined with que. The fused spelling “seráque” appears primarily in informal writing, on social media, or as a typographical mistake. It is not listed as a separate word in major dictionaries, though readers typically infer the intended meaning from context.

Usage: “Será que” is commonly placed at the beginning of a sentence to soften a question or express doubt: “Será que ele chega hoje?” In some contexts, it can introduce a clause within a dialogue or narrative. In formal writing, the two-word form is preferred and considered correct.

Variations and tone: The expression can be extended with negation or modifiers, e.g., “Será que ele não vem?” or “Será que realmente vai acontecer?” The tone ranges from casual inquiry to polite hedging, depending on context and intonation.

See also: Portuguese grammar, mood and modality, question formation, enclisis.

Notes: While “seráque” may be understood in casual communication, authoritative writing advises using the standard two-word form “será que” to ensure clarity and correctness.