Portuguese Phrase
Podem chegar ordens de evacuação.
Meaning
The sentence means ‘Evacuation orders may arrive.’ It conveys a warning that authorities could issue an evacuation order at any moment.
When to use
Use this phrase in news reports, emergency briefings, or when discussing potential safety measures during natural disasters, fires, or other crises.
✦Grammar Breakdown
Podemchegarordensdeevacuação.
Poder (modal verb)
‘Podem’ is the third‑person plural present of ‘poder’, used here to express possibility or permission.
Infinitive after modal
When a modal verb is used, the main verb stays in the infinitive (chegar).
Noun phrase agreement
‘ordens’ is plural, so the verb ‘podem’ must also be plural.
Prepositional complement
‘de evacuação’ specifies the type of orders; ‘de’ links the noun ‘ordens’ with the noun ‘evacuação’.
🗨In Conversation
Podem chegar ordens de evacuação se o incêndio se espalhar.
Evacuation orders may arrive if the fire spreads.
Então devemos nos preparar agora.
Then we should get ready now.
✕Common Mistakes
Pode chegar ordens de evacuação.
‘pode’ is singular; the subject ‘ordens’ is plural, so the verb must be plural ‘podem’.
Podem chegam ordens de evacuação.
After a modal verb, the main verb stays infinitive; using ‘chegam’ creates a double‑finite construction.
Podem chegar ordem de evacuação.
‘ordem’ is singular; it does not agree with the plural verb ‘podem’.
↔Alternatives
É possível que haja ordens de evacuação.
It is possible that evacuation orders will be issued.
Podemos receber ordens de evacuação.
We might receive evacuation orders.
Podem ser emitidas ordens de evacuação.
Evacuation orders may be issued.
Cultural Tip
In Brazil, official evacuation alerts are usually broadcast through radio, TV, and a distinctive siren system called the ‘Alarme de Emergência’. When you hear such warnings, it’s common to hear phrases like this from authorities, journalists, and community leaders. The tone is formal and objective; avoid using overly casual language in emergency contexts.