apontásseis

Apontásseis is the second-person plural imperfect subjunctive form of the Portuguese verb apontar, meaning to point or to indicate. It is a verbal form typically found in subordinate clauses introduced by if-clauses or other conditional constructs, reflecting hypothetical or contingent actions in the past.

Morphology and formation: the form is built from the verb stem apont- plus the imperfect subjunctive ending -ásseis, used for the 2nd person plural (vós) in standard Portuguese grammar. The orthography includes an acute on the a (apontásseis) to indicate the stressed syllable. This specific form contrasts with other imperfect subjunctive endings such as -asseis (for 2nd person singular) or -ásssemos (for 1st person plural), and with -assem (3rd person plural).

Usage and register: apontásseis is mainly encountered in written Portuguese, particularly in European Portuguese or in literary, formal, or historical contexts. In contemporary everyday speech, especially in Brazilian Portuguese, speakers are more likely to use alternative forms in this mood and person combination, such as the 3rd person plural imperfect subjunctive (apontassem) or other periphrastic constructions. The 2nd person plural form is often considered archaic or stylistically marked.

Examples:

- Se vós apontásseis o mapa, descobriríeis o caminho.

- Caso apontásseis as falhas, poderíeis corrigi-las com mais rapidez.

See also: Portuguese grammar, verb mood and tense, imperfect subjunctive.