Portuguese Phrase
Posso continuar com o relógio?
Meaning
The speaker is asking for permission to keep using or rely on the watch (or a timing device). It can also be understood more figuratively as ‘May I keep going with the clock?’ in a meeting or class where timekeeping matters.
When to use
Use this phrase when you need to ask a teacher, trainer, or colleague if you may keep the watch on your wrist, continue timing an activity, or simply keep referring to the clock during a discussion.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Possocontinuarcomorelógio?
Posso (poder)
‘Posso’ is the first‑person singular present of the modal verb ‘poder’, used to ask permission or express ability.
Continuar + infinitive
When ‘continuar’ is followed by another verb, the infinitive is used without ‘de’; here it links to the implied action of using the watch.
Com + noun
The preposition ‘com’ indicates the instrument or means – ‘with the watch’.
Definite article ‘o’
‘o’ is the masculine singular definite article that agrees with ‘relógio’.
Question mark
In Portuguese, the interrogative sentence is marked only with the final ‘?’, unlike English which also uses a rising intonation.
🗨In Conversation
Posso continuar com o relógio?
Can I continue with the watch?
Claro, pode usar o cronômetro para marcar o tempo da prova.
Sure, you can use the timer to mark the exam time.
✕Common Mistakes
Pode continuar com o relógio?
‘Pode’ is third‑person singular; you need the first‑person form ‘posso’ when speaking about yourself.
Posso continuar o relógio?
The preposition ‘com’ is required to indicate ‘with the watch’; omitting it changes the meaning.
Posso continuar com a relógio?
‘Relógio’ is masculine, so the correct article is ‘o’, not ‘a’.
↔Alternatives
Posso seguir usando o relógio?
Can I keep using the watch?
Posso continuar usando o relógio?
Can I continue using the watch?
Posso manter o relógio?
May I keep the watch?
Cultural Tip
In Brazilian Portuguese, ‘posso’ is polite but still informal; in Portugal you might add ‘por favor’ for extra courtesy. Also, Portuguese speakers often prefer the construction ‘continuar a + infinitive’ in European Portuguese, so you could hear ‘Posso continuar a usar o relógio?’ which means the same thing.