Conclusive constructions in written Portuguese: variation and text genre

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31513/linguistica.2026.v22n1a72211

Abstract

This article investigates variation in the use of conclusive constructions in Portuguese connected by the schemas [Preposition Demonstrative Noun], [Preposition Demonstrative], and [Preposition Noun Preposition Demonstrative], within the framework of Usage-Based Models (Boyland, 2009; Bybee, 2010; Bybee; Beckner, 2010) and Usage-Based Construction Grammar (Goldberg, 1995, 2006; Diessel, 2015, 2019). The study is based on the hypothesis that the use of these constructions is not random but is influenced by the specific characteristics of text genres. To test this hypothesis, a sample composed of texts from three distinct genres was compiled: Enem essays, blog texts, and scientific articles. The analysis examines the frequency and distribution of the constructions across genres, as well as the variable domain of causality (Sweetser, 1990) and the portion of the text in which the constructions occur. The data were statistically analyzed using the GoldVarbX program (Sankoff; Tagliamonte; Smith, 2005). The results indicate an uneven distribution of these constructions across genres, thus confirming the proposed hypothesis. In addition, the findings reveal the centrality of one of the analyzed schemas, a strong association between one genre and these constructions, and a correlation between the domain of causality and the textual position in which they occur.
Keywords: Conclusive constructions. Text genres. Enem essay. Blog texts. Scientific article.

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Author Biography

Mayra França Floret, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ)

Doutora e mestre em Linguística pela Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), onde também concluiu a graduação em Letras - Português/Inglês com diploma de dignidade acadêmica Magna cum Laude. Em novembro de 2024, iniciou estágio de pós-doutorado, com o objetivo de dar continuidade à pesquisa iniciada no doutorado sobre a relação de conclusão e conectores conclusivos do português. Desde a iniciação científica, dedica-se ao estudo da trajetória de construções causais e conclusivas na língua portuguesa, no âmbito da linha de pesquisa dos Modelos Funcionais Baseados no Uso. Tem experiência no ensino de inglês e português na educação básica, tendo atuado em escolas públicas de Maricá, Duque de Caxias e Teresópolis. Desde 2023, é professora adjunta na Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), na Faculdade de Formação de Professores (FFP/UERJ). Possui interesse nas áreas de Linguística e Ensino, com foco nos seguintes temas: estudo diacrônico da língua portuguesa, construções de causa e conclusão, formação e uso de conectores, ensino-aprendizagem de gramática na educação básica, ensino de inglês na escola, formação de professores e elaboração de material didático.

capa v.22 n.1

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Published

2026-04-30

Issue

Vol. 22 No. 1 (2026): Contributions of Sociolinguistics in the 21st Century: Theory, Interfaces, and Applications – A Tribute to Anthony Julius Naro

Section

Artigos: Variação e mudança em dados de produção

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