escolham

Escolham is a verb form in Portuguese. It is the third-person plural form of the present subjunctive for the verb escolher (to choose). In contemporary usage, this same form also serves as the affirmative imperative for the pronoun vocês, making it a directive aimed at a group.

Usage and function

The present subjunctive usage expresses mood rather than a simple fact, indicating desire, doubt, possibility, or necessity within subordinate clauses. As an imperative, Escolham functions as a direct instruction to a group. For example, in a choice scenario: Escolham entre as opções apresentadas. In a subordinate clause: É importante que eles escolham com cuidado.

Conjugation

Presente do subjuntivo: eu escolha; tu escolhas; ele/ela escolha; nós escolhemos; eles/elas escolham. The imperative form for vocês is the same as the present subjunctive: Escolham. Negative imperatives use the same form with a preceding não: Não escolham agora.

Examples

- Escolham entre as opções antes de decidir.

- Que eles escolham um representante.

- Escolham bem as palavras ao escrever.

Notes

Escolher is the base verb, and escolher belongs to the regular -er verb conjugation class in forms of the subjunctive. The form escolham is widely used in both written and spoken Portuguese, particularly in formal contexts or when addressing a group.