Portuguese Phrase
É mais prático do que ir às lojas.
Meaning
The sentence means “It’s more practical than going to the stores.” It compares two ways of doing something, highlighting that the first option (often buying online, using a service, etc.) is more convenient.
When to use
Use this phrase when you want to argue that a certain method, tool, or habit saves time, effort, or money compared with physically visiting shops. It’s common in conversations about shopping, cooking, travel planning, or digital services.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Émaispráticodoqueiràslojas.
É (ser) – present 3rd person singular
The verb "ser" is used for permanent or defining statements; here it links the subject (implicit) to the comparative clause.
Comparative: mais … do que
The structure "mais + adjective + do que" expresses "more … than". "Do" is the contraction of "de" + "o" required before "que".
prático – adjective
Means "practical" or "convenient". It agrees in gender and number with the implied subject (usually neuter or masculine).
ir – infinitive verb
The infinitive "ir" (to go) functions as a noun here, describing the action being compared.
às – a + as
The preposition "a" + feminine plural article "as" contracts to "às", meaning "to the".
lojas – plural noun
Means "stores" or "shops". The plural form matches the preposition "às".
🗨In Conversation
Você prefere comprar online ou ir às lojas?
Do you prefer buying online or going to the stores?
É mais prático do que ir às lojas.
It’s more practical than going to the stores.
✕Common Mistakes
É mais prático que ir às lojas.
The comparative requires the preposition "de" before "que"; it contracts to "do" in spoken Portuguese.
É mais prático do que ir as lojas.
Do not drop the accent or the contraction; "as lojas" would be incorrect after the preposition "a".
É mais prática do que ir às lojas.
Avoid using the masculine singular "prático" when the subject is clearly feminine; however, with an implicit neuter subject the masculine form is standard.
↔Alternatives
É mais fácil que ir às lojas.
It’s easier than going to the stores.
É mais conveniente que ir às lojas.
It’s more convenient than going to the stores.
É melhor do que ir às lojas.
It’s better than going to the stores.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, the rise of e‑commerce has made this comparative phrase very common. While "prático" stresses convenience, Brazilians often prefer "fácil" for ease of use and "conveniente" for suitability. The phrase is informal but perfectly acceptable in both casual chats and professional recommendations.