Portuguese Phrase
As aulas da tarde costumam ser mais curtas.
Meaning
The sentence states that classes held in the afternoon are generally shorter in duration than other classes. It conveys a typical pattern rather than an absolute rule.
When to use
Use this phrase when talking about school or university schedules, comparing morning and afternoon shifts, or explaining why you finish your day earlier.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Asaulasdatardecostumamsermaiscurtas
Article-Noun Agreement
The feminine plural article 'As' matches the noun 'aulas' in gender and number.
Preposition Contraction
'da' is a contraction of 'de' + 'a', meaning 'of the' and links 'tarde' to 'aulas'.
Verb 'costumar' (3rd pl.)
'Costumam' is the third‑person plural present of 'costumar', meaning 'tend to' or 'usually'.
Infinitive after 'costumar'
When 'costumar' is followed by another verb, the second verb stays in the infinitive (ser).
Comparative Structure
Use 'mais' + adjective (curtas) to form the comparative 'more short' → 'shorter'.
Adjective Agreement
The adjective 'curtas' must agree in gender and number with 'aulas' (feminine plural).
🗨In Conversation
Você percebeu que as aulas da tarde costumam ser mais curtas?
Did you notice that afternoon classes tend to be shorter?
Sim, normalmente terminam mais cedo para dar tempo ao recreio.
Yes, they usually end earlier to allow time for recess.
✕Common Mistakes
As aulas da tarde costuma ser mais curta.
Use the plural verb 'são' or 'costumam' because 'aulas' is plural.
As aulas da tarde costumam ser mais curto.
The adjective must agree with the feminine plural noun 'aulas'.
As aulas da tarde costuma ser mais curtas.
With a plural subject, the verb must be in the third‑person plural form.
↔Alternatives
As aulas da tarde são geralmente mais curtas.
Afternoon classes are generally shorter.
Normalmente, as aulas à tarde duram menos tempo.
Usually, afternoon classes last less time.
As aulas no período da tarde costumam ter duração menor.
Afternoon period classes tend to have a shorter duration.
Cultural Tip
In many Brazilian schools the morning shift runs from 7 am to noon, while the afternoon shift starts around 1 pm and often ends earlier, around 4 pm, to make room for extracurricular activities and family time. This schedule makes the phrase especially relevant when discussing daily routines.