C2 Verb Tenses 6 min read Difficile

Archaic Temporal Gerund with 'Em' (Em chegando, Em se tratando de)

Use em + gerund for high-level formal writing to express immediate temporal or conditional actions with classical elegance.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Use 'Em' + Gerund to express 'upon doing' or 'while in the process of', a sophisticated alternative to 'ao' + infinitive.

  • Use 'Em' + gerund to denote immediate temporal succession: 'Em chegando, avise-me' (Upon arriving, let me know).
  • Use it for conditional-like nuance: 'Em se tratando de política, ele é especialista' (When it comes to politics, he is an expert).
  • Avoid using it with subjects that don't match the main clause to prevent dangling modifiers.
Em + [Verb-ndo] + , + [Main Clause]

Overview

Ever felt like your Portuguese needed a bit of old-school class?
Maybe you want to sound like a 19th-century poet.
Or perhaps you are reading a dense legal contract.
You will likely encounter the em + gerund structure.
It looks like Em chegando or Em se tratando de.
In modern speech, we usually say Ao chegar instead.
But this archaic version still lives in formal spaces.
It adds a sense of immediacy and sophistication to your writing.
Think of it as the 'tuxedo' of temporal clauses.
It is elegant, precise, and slightly intimidating to beginners.
But you are at the C2 level now.
You can handle this vintage charm with ease.
Let us dive into how you can master it today.
Using this correctly shows you really know the language's roots.
It is like knowing which fork to use at a royal gala.

How This Grammar Works

This structure primarily functions as a temporal or conditional marker.
It signals that one action happens immediately when another starts.
In many cases, it replaces the word quando or caso.
However, it carries a much heavier formal weight than those words.
When you use em with a gerund, you imply 'upon'.
For example, Em chegando means 'Upon arriving' or 'As soon as arriving'.
There is also a very famous fixed expression: Em se tratando de.
This translates to 'When it comes to' or 'Regarding'.
It is one of the few places this rule is still common.
You will find it in academic papers and high-level journalism.
It helps you transition between complex ideas smoothly.
It acts like a bridge between a condition and a result.
Native speakers rarely use it while buying bread at the padaria.
But they will definitely use it in a court of law.

Formation Pattern

1
Start with the preposition em as your foundation.
2
Select the verb that describes the initial action.
3
Convert that verb into its gerund form (-ando, -endo, -indo).
4
If there is a reflexive pronoun, use proclisis.
5
This means the pronoun must come before the verb.
6
For example, use Em se tratando, not Em tratando-se.
7
This is a strict rule for this specific archaic structure.
8
Place the subject after the verb if you include it.
9
Example: Em chegando o diretor, todos se levantaram.
10
Keep the sentence structure tight and avoid unnecessary words.

When To Use It

Use this when you are writing a formal cover letter.
It works beautifully in the opening of a legal argument.
Try it when you want to emphasize immediate succession of events.
It is perfect for literary descriptions in a novel or essay.
Use Em se tratando de during a high-stakes job interview.
It makes you sound authoritative and well-educated on the topic.
Use it when discussing abstract concepts like philosophy or law.
It helps distinguish you from someone using basic 'textbook' Portuguese.
If you are giving a speech at a graduation, use it.
It provides a rhythmic, classical flow to your spoken sentences.
Think of it like a grammar spice; use it sparingly but effectively.

When Not To Use It

Do not use this when texting your best friend about lunch.
You will sound like a ghost from the 1800s.
Avoid it in casual social media captions or quick emails.
It is far too heavy for a conversation at a bar.
Do not use it if you are unsure about pronoun placement.
Messing up the proclisis makes the sentence feel very awkward.
If the context is purely physical and mundane, skip it.
Saying Em comendo a pizza sounds quite strange to modern ears.
Stick to Ao comer or Quando eu comer for daily tasks.
It is not a replacement for every quando in your vocabulary.
Using it too much makes your writing feel stiff and robotic.

Common Mistakes

Many people try to put the pronoun after the verb.
They might say Em tratando-se, which is actually incorrect here.
Remember, the preposition em attracts the pronoun to the front.
Another mistake is using the infinitive instead of the gerund.
Em chegar is wrong; it must be Em chegando.
Some people confuse this with the Ao + infinitive structure.
While they are similar, they are not always interchangeable in tone.
Native speakers sometimes forget this rule exists entirely in speech.
Yes, even native speakers mess this up in formal writing sometimes.
Do not forget the comma if the clause starts the sentence.
Without the comma, the sentence can become a bit confusing.
Think of the comma as a necessary pause for breath.

Contrast With Similar Patterns

Compare Em chegando with the more common Ao chegar.
Ao chegar is the standard way to say 'Upon arriving'.
It is used in both formal and semi-informal contexts.
Em chegando is more 'archaic' and emphasizes the 'process' of starting.
Compare it also with Quando chegar, which is purely temporal.
Quando is neutral and works in every single situation.
Em se tratando de is much more formal than Sobre.
While Sobre means 'About', the archaic gerund sounds more analytical.
It is like comparing a casual 'Hey' with a formal 'Greetings'.
Both work, but they change the entire mood of the room.
Choose the archaic form when you want to impress a professor.
Choose the standard form when you want to be understood quickly.

Quick FAQ

Q

Is this structure still used in Brazil and Portugal?

Yes, but mainly in writing and very formal speeches.

Q

Can I use it with any verb in Portuguese?

Technically yes, but it sounds best with verbs of movement.

Q

Why does the pronoun come before the verb here?

The preposition em acts as a magnet for the pronoun.

Q

Is Em se tratando de a fixed phrase I should memorize?

Absolutely, it is the most common use of this rule.

Q

Will I sound weird if I use this in a shop?

Yes, it would be like wearing a ballgown to grocery shop.

Q

Is it more common in literature or legal documents?

It is very frequent in both, especially in older texts.

Q

Does it change meaning if I use Ao instead?

The basic meaning stays, but the 'flavor' of the sentence changes.

Q

Should I use this in the CELPE-Bras or CAPLE exams?

Only if you are aiming for the highest 'Superior' level.

Formation Pattern

Preposition Gerund Function Example
Em
chegando
Temporal
Em chegando, avise.
Em
se tratando
Thematic
Em se tratando de X...

Meanings

This construction functions as a temporal or thematic marker, indicating that an action is either the trigger for another or the specific subject matter being discussed.

1

Temporal Succession

Indicates an action occurring immediately before or upon the start of the main clause.

“Em chegando ao aeroporto, ligue-me.”

“Em saindo de casa, começou a chover.”

2

Thematic Context

Used to introduce the topic or subject matter of a statement.

“Em se tratando de economia, ele é o melhor.”

“Em se falando de amor, tudo muda.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Archaic Temporal Gerund with 'Em' (Em chegando, Em se tratando de)
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Em + Gerund
Em chegando, ligue.
Thematic
Em + se + Gerund
Em se tratando de amor...
Negative
Em não + Gerund
Em não chegando, avise.
Question
Em + Gerund + ?
Em chegando, você avisa?

Spectre de formalité

Formel
Em se tratando de política, mantenho minha posição.

Em se tratando de política, mantenho minha posição. (Debate)

Neutre
Sobre política, eu mantenho minha posição.

Sobre política, eu mantenho minha posição. (Debate)

Informel
Falando de política, eu penso assim.

Falando de política, eu penso assim. (Debate)

Argot
Política? Nem me fale.

Política? Nem me fale. (Debate)

The Two Faces of 'Em' + Gerund

Em + Gerund

Temporal

  • Em chegando Upon arriving

Thematic

  • Em se tratando When dealing with
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Exemples par niveau

1

Em chegando, avise.

Upon arriving, let me know.

2

Em se tratando de mim, não sei.

When it comes to me, I don't know.

1

Em saindo, feche a porta.

Upon leaving, close the door.

2

Em se falando de trabalho, ele é bom.

When talking about work, he is good.

1

Em terminando o relatório, enviarei.

Upon finishing the report, I will send it.

2

Em se tratando de leis, devemos ter cuidado.

When it comes to laws, we must be careful.

1

Em chegando ao destino, o passageiro deve desembarcar.

Upon arriving at the destination, the passenger must disembark.

2

Em se discutindo o orçamento, houve divergências.

When discussing the budget, there were disagreements.

1

Em se tratando de questões éticas, a empresa mantém sua posição.

When it comes to ethical issues, the company maintains its position.

2

Em chegando a notícia, todos ficaram chocados.

Upon the news arriving, everyone was shocked.

1

Em se tratando de hermenêutica jurídica, a interpretação é crucial.

When it comes to legal hermeneutics, interpretation is crucial.

2

Em chegando o momento decisivo, ele hesitou.

Upon the decisive moment arriving, he hesitated.

Facile à confondre

Archaic Temporal Gerund with 'Em' (Em chegando, Em se tratando de) vs Ao + Infinitive

Both mean 'upon doing'.

Archaic Temporal Gerund with 'Em' (Em chegando, Em se tratando de) vs Gerúndio simples

Learners use the gerund alone as a sentence starter.

Archaic Temporal Gerund with 'Em' (Em chegando, Em se tratando de) vs Sobre + Substantivo

Both introduce a topic.

Erreurs courantes

✗

Em chegar

✓

Em chegando

Must use gerund.
✗

Tratando de...

✓

Em se tratando de...

Missing preposition/reflexive.
✗

Em chegado

✓

Em chegando

Wrong verb form.
✗

Em se tratando política

✓

Em se tratando de política

Missing 'de'.
✗

Em eu chegando

✓

Em chegando

Subject pronoun unnecessary.
✗

Em se falando política

✓

Em se falando de política

Missing 'de'.
✗

Em se tratando de que...

✓

Em se tratando de...

Redundant 'que'.
✗

Em se discutindo sobre o tema

✓

Em se discutindo o tema

Direct object usage.
✗

Em se tratando de ele

✓

Em se tratando dele

Contraction required.
✗

Em se tratando de que ele venha

✓

Em se tratando de sua vinda

Noun phrase preferred.
✗

Em chegando o trem, eu subo

✓

Em chegando o trem, subirei

Tense consistency.
✗

Em se tratando de o caso

✓

Em se tratando do caso

Contraction required.

Structures de phrases

Em ___ de ___, eu prefiro ___.

Em ___ ao ___, ligue para mim.

Em ___ o trabalho, vou descansar.

Real World Usage

Academic Writing common

Em se tratando de metodologia, o estudo é robusto.

Professional Email common

Em terminando o projeto, enviarei o arquivo.

Formal Debate common

Em se discutindo os fatos, a verdade emerge.

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💡

Use for Emphasis

Use 'Em' + gerund when you want to highlight the action or topic specifically.
⚠️

Don't Overuse

Using it in every sentence will make you sound robotic and overly formal.
🎯

The 'Se' Rule

Always include 'se' when the topic is impersonal.

Smart Tips

Replace 'Sobre' with 'Em se tratando de'.

Sobre o projeto, precisamos falar. → Em se tratando do projeto, precisamos falar.

Use 'Em chegando' to emphasize the exact moment of arrival.

Quando chegar, avise. → Em chegando, avise.

Use 'Em se falando de' for a more natural thematic flow.

Falando de comida, gosto de pizza. → Em se falando de comida, gosto de pizza.

Prononciation

em-che-GAN-do

Rhythm

The 'Em' should be slightly stressed to introduce the clause.

Rising-Falling

Em chegando, ↗ avise-me ↘

Signals a pause before the main action.

Mémorise-le

Moyen mnémotechnique

Remember: 'Em' is the 'Entry' to a new topic or time.

Association visuelle

Imagine a door (Em) that you open to reveal a new room (the topic) or a new time (the action).

Rhyme

Em com gerúndio, um toque de classe, para que o seu português nunca passe.

Story

Maria was at a conference. She stood up and said, 'Em se tratando de inovação, precisamos de coragem.' Everyone nodded. Em chegando ao final da palestra, ela recebeu aplausos.

Word Web

chegandotratandofalandodiscutindosaindoterminando

Défi

Write three sentences using 'Em se tratando de...' about your favorite hobbies.

Notes culturelles

This is a hallmark of formal Brazilian writing and speech, reflecting a love for the gerund.

Less common; they prefer 'Ao' + infinitive.

Derived from the Latin 'in' + gerundive, evolving into the Portuguese temporal gerund.

Amorces de conversation

“

Em se tratando de viagens, qual seu lugar favorito?

“

Em chegando ao Brasil, o que você quer comer?

“

Em se falando de tecnologia, você é fã?

Sujets d'écriture

Write about your daily routine using 'Em' + gerund.
Discuss a controversial topic using 'Em se tratando de...'.
Describe a future trip using 'Em chegando...'.

Erreurs courantes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Fill in the blank.

Em ___ de política, ele é mestre.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: se tratando
Requires 'se' and gerund.
Choose the correct form. Choix multiple

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em chegando, avise.
Gerund is required.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Em se tratando política, não sei.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em se tratando de política
Missing 'de'.
Translate to Portuguese. Traduction

Upon arriving, call me.

Answer starts with: Em ...

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em chegando, ligue-me.
Formal temporal structure.

Score: /4

Exercices pratiques

4 exercises
Fill in the blank.

Em ___ de política, ele é mestre.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: se tratando
Requires 'se' and gerund.
Choose the correct form. Choix multiple

Which is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em chegando, avise.
Gerund is required.
Correct the sentence. Error Correction

Find and fix the mistake:

Em se tratando política, não sei.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em se tratando de política
Missing 'de'.
Translate to Portuguese. Traduction

Upon arriving, call me.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em chegando, ligue-me.
Formal temporal structure.

Score: /4

FAQ (6)

It is much less common than in Brazil; 'Ao' + infinitive is preferred.

Yes, but it sounds best with verbs of movement or thematic verbs like 'tratar' or 'falar'.

Yes, it is considered a high-register construction.

Avoid it. Keep the subject the same in both clauses.

The 'se' makes the verb impersonal, which is necessary for thematic framing.

Only if you want to sound very formal or ironic.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

2

2

3

3

4

4

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

Al + infinitive

Spanish does not use the gerund for this temporal function.

French high

En + participe présent

French 'en' is used for manner/simultaneity, not just temporal succession.

German moderate

Beim + infinitive

German is strictly tied to the infinitive, not a gerund.

Japanese low

〜する際に

Japanese relies on particles and nouns, not verb conjugation.

Arabic low

عند + masdar

Arabic uses a noun form, whereas Portuguese uses a verbal gerund.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Silence Stylistique : Maîtrisez l'Art de l'Ellipse (Elipse)
Next
Modal Use of the Imperfect Indicative (Replacing the Conditional for Vividness)

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