aumentem

Aumentem is the third-person plural present subjunctive form of the Portuguese verb aumentar, meaning to increase or raise. It is used in subordinate clauses that express desire, doubt, possibility, or necessity, typically after a verb or expression that introduces the subjunctive, as in que eles aumentem.

Morphology and related forms: The verb aumentar follows regular -ar conjugation patterns. In the present subjunctive, the forms are: eu aumente, tu aumentes, ele aumente, nós aumentemos, vós aumenteis, eles aumentem. Aumentem specifically corresponds to the third-person plural subject in this mood and tense.

Usage: Aumentem occurs most often in formal, literary, or journalistic Portuguese, especially in clauses that convey hoped-for or hypothetical outcomes. Examples include: “Que eles aumentem as vendas neste trimestre,” meaning that it is hoped they will increase sales; “É possível que os preços aumentem,” indicating a possibility that prices rise; “Espero que os investimentos aumentem,” expressing a wish for investment levels to rise.

Distinctions: Aumentem is not used in the indicative mood, which states facts, nor is it the imperative form for second-person plural. It is part of the subjunctive mood, whose use depends on the main clause’s sense of obligation, desire, or possibility.

See also: aumentar, verb conjugation, present subjunctive, Portuguese grammar.