Levando em conta que

Using this phrase is easier than choosing a Netflix movie on a Friday night. You usually place it at the very beginning of a sentence or right in the middle to join two ideas. The basic structure is: Levando em conta que + [the fact/situation] + [your conclusion]. For example: Levando em conta que o dólar subiu, não vamos viajar. (Taking into account that the dollar went up, we aren't traveling). Notice how the fact comes first, setting the stage for the bad news about the trip. You don't need any special verb tenses after it—the normal indicative works perfectly fine. If you want to sound extra fancy, you can say Levando em conta o fato de que..., but honestly, the shorter version is much more modern. It’s like the difference between a tuxedo and a really well-fitted blazer. Both are sharp, but one lets you breathe easier.

This phrase is the ultimate social chameleon. It sits comfortably in the 'Neutral to Formal' zone. You’ll hear it in news broadcasts when journalists explain why a law changed. You’ll see it in professional emails from your boss explaining why the deadline moved. However, it’s also perfectly fine for serious talks with friends. If you're debating which pizza to order, levando em conta que might be a bit much. But if you're discussing which apartment to rent, it fits the 'adulting' vibe perfectly. It’s not 'street slang' by any means, but it’s definitely not '19th-century poetry' either. It’s the language of people who have their lives (mostly) together. Even on social media, you’ll see it in captions for 'thoughtful' posts or LinkedIn updates where people want to sound insightful.

Think about your last job interview on Zoom. You might say, Levando em conta que tenho cinco anos de experiência, acredito que posso ajudar a equipe. (Taking into account that I have five years of experience, I believe I can help the team). It sounds much more professional than just saying 'I have experience.' Or imagine you're a travel vlogger explaining your route: Levando em conta que o tempo está fechado, mudamos o roteiro. (Considering that the weather is overcast, we changed the itinerary). In the world of online shopping, you might see a review saying: Levando em conta o preço, a qualidade é excelente. (Taking into account the price, the quality is excellent). It’s everywhere—from Spotify podcasts discussing music trends to WhatsApp groups deciding where to meet for dinner during a rainy week.

Reach for this phrase whenever you need to provide context for a decision. It’s perfect for 'I told you so' moments that you want to keep polite. Use it when the 'why' is a specific, undeniable fact. It’s great for business meetings, academic essays, and deep late-night conversations about life. It’s also very useful when you’re complaining to customer support—it makes your complaint sound like a logical argument rather than just an emotional outburst. 'Levando em conta que paguei pelo frete expresso, o atraso é inaceitável.' See? It adds a layer of 'I know my rights' to the sentence. It’s the adult way to say 'Hey, look at this!'

Don't use this for super casual, fleeting observations. If you’re just telling your friend it’s raining, don't say Levando em conta que está chovendo, vou levar o guarda-chuva. It sounds like you’re presenting a thesis on rain. Just say Como está chovendo... (Since it's raining...). Also, avoid using it repeatedly in the same paragraph. It’s a 'weighty' phrase, and using it too much makes your speech feel heavy and repetitive. Think of it like a strong spice; a little makes the dish better, but too much ruins the flavor. And definitely don't use it if the 'fact' you're introducing isn't actually a fact but just a random feeling. It requires a bit of substance to back it up.

A very frequent 'oopsie' is adding a de where it doesn't belong. Many people say ✗ Levando em conta de que... but the correct form is ✓ Levando em conta que.... The de only appears if you include the word fato (fact). Another mistake is using it as a synonym for apesar de (despite). Levando em conta supports your conclusion; it doesn't contradict it. If you want to say 'even though it's raining, I'm going out,' don't use this phrase. Use it for 'because it's raining, I'm staying in.' Finally, don't forget the que. Sometimes learners just say Levando em conta o preço... which is actually fine, but if you're following it with a full sentence, that que is your structural glue. Without it, the sentence falls apart like a cheap IKEA shelf.

If you want to spice things up, you have options. Considerando que is a very close synonym, maybe 5% more formal. It’s the 'suit and tie' version. Then there’s Dado que, which is very common in academic or technical contexts—think of it as the 'scientist' version. For something slightly more 'street' or direct, you can use Visto que. In Portugal, you might hear Tendo em conta que more often than in Brazil, though both are understood everywhere. It’s like choosing between 'Taking into account' and 'Bearing in mind.' The meaning is identical, but the 'vibe' shifts slightly depending on who you're talking to and where you are.

Is it too formal for texting? Not if you're discussing something important, like plans or money. It shows you're being serious. Can I use it in an essay? Absolutely, it's a staple of Portuguese academic writing. Does it change if I'm talking to a woman? No, levando is a gerund and doesn't change gender. Is there a shorter way to say it? Yes, you can just use Como... or Já que..., but you lose the 'analytical' nuance. Why is it 'conta'? Because you're 'counting' or 'accounting' for a factor in your mental math. It's all about the balance sheet of life!