Portuguese Phrase
O DSL costuma ser o mais barato.
Meaning
The sentence states that DSL (Digital Subscriber Line) is usually the cheapest option among the alternatives being considered, such as cable, fiber, or satellite internet.
When to use
Use this phrase when comparing internet service plans, discussing pricing options, or explaining why you chose DSL over other technologies.
✦Grammar Breakdown
ODSLcostumaseromaisbarato.
Definite article (O)
Used before masculine singular nouns to specify a known item; here it introduces the subject 'DSL'.
Costuma (habitual verb)
Third‑person singular of the verb 'costumar', meaning 'usually' or 'tends to'. It is followed by an infinitive.
Infinitive after costuma (ser)
When 'costumar' is used, the verb that follows stays in the infinitive form, e.g., 'costuma ser'.
Comparative structure (o mais + adjective)
The pattern 'o mais + adjective' forms the superlative, meaning 'the most …'.
Adjective agreement (barato)
Adjectives agree in gender and number with the noun they describe; 'barato' matches the masculine singular 'DSL'.
🗨In Conversation
Qual plano de internet você vai escolher?
Which internet plan are you going to choose?
O DSL costuma ser o mais barato.
DSL is usually the cheapest.
✕Common Mistakes
O DSL é o mais barato.
Using 'é' removes the habitual nuance; 'costuma ser' conveys that it is usually, not always, the cheapest.
O DSL costuma ser mais barato.
Dropping the article 'o' makes the superlative incomplete in Portuguese.
O DSL costuma ser o barato.
The adjective must be in its comparative superlative form 'mais barato', not just 'barato'.
↔Alternatives
O DSL geralmente é o mais barato.
DSL is generally the cheapest.
O DSL costuma ser o mais econômico.
DSL tends to be the most economical.
O DSL costuma ser o mais barato de todos.
DSL is usually the cheapest of all.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, many households still compare DSL with newer fiber‑optic connections. While DSL can be cheaper, it often offers lower speeds. When using this phrase, be aware that 'mais barato' refers to price, not necessarily to performance or reliability, which can be a point of discussion in local conversations about internet services.