Com relação à constatação

To use this phrase correctly, you first need a 'finding'—something that has been observed and confirmed. You then place Com relação à constatação at the beginning of your sentence or as a transition between ideas. Because constatação is a feminine word in Portuguese, you must use the 'crase' (the back-tick accent on the 'à'). This is where most people trip up! It’s actually a contraction of the preposition a (related to) and the article a (the). So, you say Com relação à constatação de que... (Regarding the finding that...). It usually precedes a detailed explanation or a proposed solution. Think of it as a logical 'if-then' connector. 'Regarding the finding that sales are down, we need a new marketing plan.' It’s the perfect way to move from the 'what happened' to the 'what now.' It’s smooth, professional, and makes you sound like you’ve actually read the 40-page PDF your boss sent you. If you’re writing an email, it’s a great way to avoid starting every sentence with 'About...' or 'On...'

This phrase is firmly in the 'Formal' to 'Very Formal' camp. You will find it in academic papers, legal documents, corporate emails, and news reports. If you use this while buying a hot dog at a street cart, the vendor might think you’re an undercover health inspector. However, in professional settings, it is a gold standard. It shows that you respect the evidence and are presenting your thoughts in a structured way. It is a 'neutral' phrase in terms of emotion—it’s not particularly warm, but it’s not aggressive either. It’s just... professional. In the world of social media, you might see it on LinkedIn posts where someone is trying to sound like a 'thought leader.' It’s the kind of phrase that says, 'I have a briefcase and I know how to use it.' If you’re a student, use this in your essays to instantly boost your grade in the 'academic register' category. It’s much better than just saying Eu vi que... (I saw that...).

You’ll hear this on the news a lot. A journalist might say, Com relação à constatação de novas variantes do vírus... (Regarding the finding of new variants of the virus...). Or, imagine a corporate meeting where the CFO is presenting: Com relação à constatação de um desvio no orçamento, propomos cortes. (Regarding the finding of a budget deviation, we propose cuts.) You might even see it in a polite but firm letter from your landlord: Com relação à constatação de danos no carpete... (Regarding the finding of damage to the carpet...). It’s also very common in scientific studies when researchers are discussing their data. Basically, anywhere where facts are being scrutinized, this phrase is the MVP. Even in a high-stakes WhatsApp group for work, using this can help de-escalate a situation by keeping the focus on the facts rather than personal opinions. It’s a shield made of data.

Use this phrase when you are writing a formal report or an email to a superior. It is also excellent for academic writing or when you are presenting data in a meeting. If you are a doctor, lawyer, or engineer, this will be your best friend. It’s great for when you need to be precise and objective. Another good time to use it is when you are responding to an audit or a performance review. It shows that you have acknowledged the specific points raised and are addressing them directly. It’s also useful in debate or journalism when you need to cite a specific source or observation. Basically, if you are wearing a tie or sitting in a Zoom call with your camera on, this phrase is a safe bet. It helps you maintain a professional distance from the subject matter, which is often necessary in business settings.

Do not use this with your friends at a bar. If you say, 'Regarding the finding that your beer is empty,' your friends will probably laugh and tell you to relax. It’s too stiff for casual conversations. Also, avoid using it when the 'finding' is just your personal opinion. Com relação à constatação de que o filme é chato (Regarding the finding that the movie is boring) sounds weird because a movie being boring isn't a verified fact—it's just how you feel. Use Na minha opinião instead. Also, avoid overusing it in a single paragraph. It’s a heavy phrase, and using it three times in three sentences will make your writing feel like a legal contract from the 1800s. Variety is the spice of life, even in formal writing! Finally, don't use it for things that are obvious or trivial. 'Regarding the finding that it is raining' is a bit much if everyone is already wet.

The biggest mistake is forgetting the crase: writing Com relação a constatação instead of Com relação à constatação. Remember, the 'à' is mandatory because you have two 'a's merging together. Another common error is using it as a synonym for 'discovery' (descoberta). While they are related, a constatação is more about verifying something that was already suspected or looking at existing data, while a descoberta is finding something completely new. Don't confuse it with observação either; observation is the process, but constatação is the result. Some learners also try to use it with masculine words without changing the article: ✗ Com relação à fato → ✓ Com relação ao fato. If the noun after it is masculine, use ao. But since our phrase specifically uses constatação, stick to the à. Lastly, don't forget the 'de' if you're going to follow it with a clause: Com relação à constatação *de que*....

You might also see Em relação à constatação. Both are correct and almost identical in meaning, though some grammarians argue that em relação a is slightly more versatile. Another one is Quanto à constatação, which is a bit shorter and punchier. If you want to go full 'legal mode,' you could use No que tange à constatação, but be careful—that’s very formal. For a slightly softer version, you can use Sobre a constatação, which is still professional but less 'stiff.' In Portugal, you might hear Relativamente à constatação, which is very common there but sounds a bit more 'European' to Brazilian ears. All of these serve the same purpose: they point the finger at the fact and say, 'Let's talk about this.' Pick the one that fits your style, but Com relação à is a safe, middle-of-the-road choice for any formal situation.

Is 'constatação' the same as 'finding'? Yes, in a formal or scientific context, 'finding' is the best English translation. It refers to something that has been proven or verified through observation or data. Can I use this phrase in a text message? Only if you are being sarcastic or if you are texting your boss about something very serious. Otherwise, it's way too formal for a quick chat. Why do I need the 'à'? Because the word 'relação' requires the preposition 'a' (relação a algo), and the word 'constatação' is feminine and requires the article 'a' (a constatação). When they meet, they become 'à'. Is there a more casual way to say this? Yes, you can just say 'Sobre o que vimos...' (About what we saw...) or 'Sobre o fato de...' (About the fact that...). These are much better for daily life. What is the emotional weight of this phrase? It is neutral and objective. It avoids taking sides and focuses on the evidence, which helps maintain a professional tone even in difficult discussions.