Use 'de modo a' to clearly state the reason or goal behind an action.
de modo a en 30 secondes
- purpose
- intention
- in order to
§ What 'de modo a' means
- Portuguese Word
- de modo a
- English Definition
- In such a way as to; so as to.
You're learning Portuguese, and you'll often hear phrases that connect ideas, explaining the purpose or result of an action. 'De modo a' is one of those key phrases. It's a really useful connector that means 'in such a way as to' or 'so as to'. Think of it as explaining *how* something is done, or *why* it's done, specifically focusing on the manner or objective.
It's not a super formal phrase, but it's not informal either. It fits comfortably in many contexts, from a news report to a conversation about a project at work. Understanding and using 'de modo a' will make your Portuguese sound much more natural and precise.
§ Examples of 'de modo a' in Action
Let's look at some practical examples to see 'de modo a' in different situations. Pay attention to how it links the action to its intended outcome or manner.
At Work:
Devemos organizar os documentos de modo a facilitar o acesso.
Translation hint: We should organize the documents in such a way as to facilitate access.
Ele ajustou a estratégia de modo a atingir as metas do trimestre.
Translation hint: He adjusted the strategy so as to reach the quarter's goals.
In Educational Settings:
O professor explicou a matéria de modo a que todos entendessem.
Translation hint: The teacher explained the material in such a way as to ensure everyone understood.
Os estudantes estudaram muito de modo a passar nos exames finais.
Translation hint: The students studied hard so as to pass the final exams.
In News and Public Discourse:
As novas leis foram criadas de modo a proteger o meio ambiente.
Translation hint: The new laws were created in such a way as to protect the environment.
O governo agiu rapidamente de modo a conter a crise.
Translation hint: The government acted quickly so as to contain the crisis.
§ Variations and Synonyms
While 'de modo a' is very common, you might also hear or see similar constructions. It's good to be aware of them, but focus on mastering 'de modo a' first.
'De forma a': This is a direct synonym and is used in exactly the same way. You can swap 'modo' for 'forma' without changing the meaning.
'Para': Sometimes, 'para' can convey a similar sense of purpose, but 'de modo a' is more specific about the *manner* or *way* in which something is done to achieve that purpose. 'Para' is more general for 'in order to'.
Ele correu para pegar o ônibus.
Translation hint: He ran to catch the bus.
§ How to use 'de modo a' naturally
The key to using 'de modo a' correctly is to remember that it's followed by an infinitive verb. You're describing an action and then the purpose or manner of that action.
Practice making sentences where you explain *why* or *how* you do something. For example, 'Eu estudo português de modo a poder conversar com os locais.' (I study Portuguese so as to be able to talk with locals.)
Listen for it in Portuguese podcasts, news, or conversations. Once you start actively listening, you'll notice it everywhere.
Don't overthink it. If you mean 'so as to' or 'in such a way as to' in English, 'de modo a' is very likely the correct choice in Portuguese.
By incorporating 'de modo a' into your vocabulary, you'll be able to express more complex ideas and connect your thoughts more smoothly in Portuguese. Keep practicing, and you'll master it in no time!
§ Don't Confuse with "de modo que"
Many learners mix up "de modo a" with "de modo que". While both express purpose or result, there's a key grammatical difference. "De modo a" is followed by an infinitive verb (the base form of the verb, like 'to do', 'to be'), whereas "de modo que" is followed by a conjugated verb (a verb that shows who is doing the action and when). This is a common pitfall, so pay close attention to the verb form that follows.
- DEFINITION
- In such a way as to; so as to.
Ela estudou muito de modo a passar no exame.
She studied a lot so as to pass the exam. (Here, 'passar' is an infinitive.)
Ela estudou muito de modo que passou no exame.
She studied a lot so that she passed the exam. (Here, 'passou' is a conjugated verb.)
§ Forgetting the "a"
A simple but common error is to drop the "a" from the phrase, using just "de modo" followed by an infinitive. While "de modo" can exist on its own, it usually means 'in a way' or 'in a manner' and doesn't carry the same sense of purpose as "de modo a". Forgetting the "a" changes the meaning and often makes the sentence grammatically incorrect when you intend to express purpose.
Ele fala de modo estranho.
He speaks in a strange way.
Ele fala de modo a ser compreendido.
He speaks so as to be understood.
§ Overusing the Phrase
While "de modo a" is useful, some learners overuse it. Portuguese, like English, offers many ways to express purpose. Sometimes a simpler structure or a different connector can sound more natural. For instance, using just "para" (in order to, for) is often a perfectly good, and sometimes preferred, alternative.
Trabalhei duro de modo a terminar o projeto a tempo.
I worked hard so as to finish the project on time.
Trabalhei duro para terminar o projeto a tempo.
I worked hard to finish the project on time.
§ Incorrect Placement in a Sentence
While Portuguese word order is somewhat flexible, placing "de modo a" awkwardly in a sentence can make it sound unnatural or even confusing. Generally, it comes after the main clause it modifies, explaining the purpose of the action described in that clause.
Incorrect: De modo a aprender, ele lê muitos livros.
Correct: Ele lê muitos livros de modo a aprender.
He reads many books so as to learn.
Le savais-tu ?
The word 'modo' is very versatile in Portuguese and appears in many common expressions, often indicating a manner or a way of doing something.
Grammaire à connaître
'De modo a' is typically followed by an infinitive verb.
Ele estudou muito de modo a passar no exame. (He studied a lot so as to pass the exam.)
It expresses purpose or intention, explaining the 'why' behind an action.
Fizemos silêncio de modo a não incomodar os vizinhos. (We kept quiet so as not to bother the neighbors.)
It can be replaced by 'para' (in order to) or 'a fim de' (in order to) with a similar meaning.
Ela correu de modo a chegar a tempo. / Ela correu para chegar a tempo. (She ran so as to arrive on time. / She ran to arrive on time.)
The phrase can sometimes be separated by a noun or pronoun that is the object of the action.
Ele abriu a janela de modo a que o ar circulasse. (He opened the window in such a way as to let the air circulate.)
When the subject of the main clause and the infinitive verb are different, 'de modo a que' followed by the subjunctive is used.
Eu falei devagar de modo a que eles me entendessem. (I spoke slowly so that they would understand me.)
Exemples par niveau
Ele ajustou os óculos de modo a ver melhor.
He adjusted his glasses so as to see better.
Organizei os documentos de modo a que ficassem acessíveis.
I organized the documents in such a way as to make them accessible.
Ela falou baixo de modo a não incomodar os outros.
She spoke quietly so as not to disturb others.
Treinamos muito de modo a estarmos prontos para a competição.
We trained a lot so as to be ready for the competition.
Ele poupou dinheiro de modo a poder viajar no verão.
He saved money so as to be able to travel in the summer.
Construímos a ponte de modo a facilitar o acesso à ilha.
We built the bridge in such a way as to facilitate access to the island.
Ela estudou a noite toda de modo a passar no exame.
She studied all night so as to pass the exam.
Modificamos o plano de modo a atender às novas exigências.
We modified the plan so as to meet the new requirements.
Souvent confondu avec
While 'de modo a' focuses on the manner of achieving a goal, 'para' directly states the purpose. Example: 'Estudei para aprender' (I studied to learn).
Similar to 'para', 'a fim de' also emphasizes purpose. Example: 'Corri a fim de pegar o ônibus' (I ran in order to catch the bus).
'Assim' means 'thus' or 'in this way' and can sometimes overlap with the meaning of 'de modo a' when describing a general manner, but 'de modo a' specifically links the manner to a consequence.
Expressions idiomatiques
"De modo a"
In order to / So as to
Ele estudou muito de modo a passar no exame. (He studied a lot in order to pass the exam.)
neutral"Pôr em causa"
To call into question / To jeopardize
As suas ações puseram em causa a nossa confiança. (His actions jeopardized our trust.)
neutral"Dar a volta por cima"
To turn things around / To overcome difficulties
Mesmo depois da derrota, a equipa conseguiu dar a volta por cima. (Even after the defeat, the team managed to turn things around.)
informal"Estar com a pulga atrás da orelha"
To have a flea in one's ear / To be suspicious
Fiquei com a pulga atrás da orelha depois do que ele disse. (I was suspicious after what he said.)
informal"Ter os pés na terra"
To be down to earth / To be realistic
Ele é uma pessoa com os pés na terra, sempre realista. (He is a down-to-earth person, always realistic.)
neutral"Cair em si"
To come to one's senses
Só depois de perder tudo é que ele caiu em si. (Only after losing everything did he come to his senses.)
neutral"Ficar a ver navios"
To miss out / To be left out
Se não te apressares, vais ficar a ver navios. (If you don't hurry, you'll miss out.)
informal"Ter a faca e o queijo na mão"
To have all the advantages / To be in control
Com a promoção, ele tem a faca e o queijo na mão. (With the promotion, he has all the advantages.)
informal"Meter a pata na poça"
To put one's foot in it / To make a blunder
Ele meteu a pata na poça ao fazer aquela pergunta. (He put his foot in it by asking that question.)
informal"Em cima da hora"
At the last minute / Just in time
Conseguimos entregar o projeto em cima da hora. (We managed to submit the project at the last minute.)
neutralFacile à confondre
Often confused with similar conjunctions like 'para' (to/in order to) or 'a fim de' (in order to). While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, 'de modo a' emphasizes the manner or method by which something is done.
'De modo a' specifically highlights the manner or way in which an action is performed to achieve a certain outcome. 'Para' and 'a fim de' primarily focus on the purpose or goal.
Ele estudou muito de modo a passar no exame. (He studied a lot in such a way as to pass the exam.) / Ele correu de modo a não perder o ônibus. (He ran so as not to miss the bus.)
Can mean 'then' (sequence of events), 'so' (consequence), or 'at that time'. The context is crucial for understanding its meaning.
As a temporal adverb, it means 'then'. As a conjunction, it means 'so' or 'therefore'. It can also refer to a past time.
Eu comi e então saí. (I ate and then left.) / Choveu, então ficamos em casa. (It rained, so we stayed home.) / Naquela época, então, as coisas eram diferentes. (At that time, then, things were different.)
Can mean 'still' (continuing action), 'yet' (not happened yet), 'even' (emphasis), or 'more' (quantity).
Refers to continuation, lack of completion, emphasis, or additional quantity depending on the sentence structure and context.
Ele ainda está dormindo. (He is still sleeping.) / Você já comeu? Ainda não. (Have you eaten yet? Not yet.) / Ele é ainda mais alto que eu. (He is even taller than me.) / Quero ainda mais café. (I want even more coffee.)
Can mean 'same' (adjective), 'really/indeed' (adverb), or 'even' (emphasis).
As an adjective, it agrees in gender and number and means 'same'. As an adverb, it is invariable and means 'really' or 'indeed'. It can also be used to add emphasis.
Eles moram na mesma casa. (They live in the same house.) / Ele é mesmo inteligente. (He is really intelligent.) / Mesmo com chuva, vamos sair. (Even with rain, we will go out.)
Can mean 'soon' (time), 'therefore/so' (consequence), or 'immediately' (imperative).
As an adverb of time, it means 'soon'. As a conjunction, it means 'therefore'. In some contexts, it can mean 'immediately'.
Chego logo. (I'll arrive soon.) / Ele estudou, logo passou no exame. (He studied, therefore he passed the exam.) / Faça isso logo! (Do it immediately!)
Famille de mots
Noms
Origine du mot
Latin
Sens originel : 'modus' (manner, way) + 'ad' (to)
Indo-European (Romance branch)Contexte culturel
When speaking Portuguese, using 'de modo a' shows a good grasp of more nuanced sentence structures. It's often used in more formal contexts or when explaining the purpose or consequence of an action. Mastering this phrase can make your Portuguese sound more sophisticated and natural, allowing you to express complex ideas more clearly, similar to using 'in order to' or 'so as to' in English.
Teste-toi 48 questions
Greeting
Origin
Gratitude
Read this aloud:
Bom dia
Focus: ão
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Por favor
Focus: or
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Até logo
Focus: og
Tu as dit :
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Ele estuda muito _______ passar no exame. (He studies a lot _______ pass the exam.)
'De modo a' means 'so as to' or 'in such a way as to', indicating purpose or result. 'Para' can also indicate purpose, but 'de modo a' fits well here for a slightly more formal connection.
Ela trabalha duro _______ comprar um carro novo. (She works hard _______ buy a new car.)
Here, 'de modo a' clearly shows the purpose of her hard work: to buy a new car.
Nós precisamos economizar dinheiro _______ viajar nas férias. (We need to save money _______ travel on vacation.)
The phrase 'de modo a' expresses the reason or goal for saving money, which is to travel.
Ele fala devagar _______ todos possam entender. (He speaks slowly _______ everyone can understand.)
'De modo a' connects speaking slowly with the intention of being understood by everyone.
Por favor, feche a porta _______ não entrar mosquitos. (Please close the door _______ no mosquitoes enter.)
Closing the door serves the purpose of preventing mosquitoes from entering, which 'de modo a' conveys.
Eles praticam todos os dias _______ ganhar o campeonato. (They practice every day _______ win the championship.)
The phrase 'de modo a' expresses the objective of their daily practice: to win the championship.
Choose the best translation for "de modo a" in this sentence: "Ele estuda muito de modo a passar no exame."
"De modo a" introduces the purpose or goal of the action.
Qual das frases usa "de modo a" corretamente?
"De modo a" is followed by the infinitive verb.
Preencha a lacuna: "Eles trabalham juntos ___ alcançar o objetivo."
The phrase "de modo a" correctly expresses the purpose of their working together.
A frase "Eu falo alto de modo a todos me ouvirem" significa que eu falo alto para que todos possam me ouvir.
Yes, "de modo a" here means "so that" or "in order for."
Podemos usar "de modo a" com um substantivo diretamente, como em "Ele comeu de modo a comida."
"De modo a" is typically followed by an infinitive verb, not a noun directly.
A expressão "de modo a" sempre indica uma consequência da ação anterior.
No, "de modo a" primarily indicates the *purpose* or *goal* of an action, not necessarily a consequence.
This sentence means 'He studies a lot in order to pass the exam.'
This sentence means 'She runs fast in order to arrive on time.'
This sentence means 'We work together in order to finish the project.'
He studied a lot so as to pass the exam.
She worked hard in such a way as to get the promotion.
We organized the party so that everyone would have fun.
Read this aloud:
Use 'de modo a' to complete: 'Eu economizei dinheiro _______ comprar um carro novo.' (to buy a new car)
Focus: de modo a
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Form a sentence using 'de modo a' and 'aprender português' (to learn Portuguese).
Focus: aprender português
Tu as dit :
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Read this aloud:
Complete the sentence: 'Ele fala devagar _______ que eu entenda.' (so that I understand)
Focus: que eu entenda
Tu as dit :
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Write a sentence using 'de modo a' to explain why someone would save money for a trip to Portugal.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Ela está economizando dinheiro de modo a poder fazer uma viagem a Portugal no próximo ano. (She is saving money so as to be able to take a trip to Portugal next year.)
You are giving instructions on how to bake a traditional Portuguese pastel de nata. Write a step using 'de modo a' to ensure the crust is flaky.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Dobre a massa várias vezes, de modo a garantir que a massa folhada fique bem crocante. (Fold the dough several times, so as to ensure the puff pastry is very flaky.)
Explain a strategy for learning new Portuguese vocabulary using 'de modo a' to describe the goal of the strategy.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Eu crio frases com as palavras novas de modo a memorizá-las mais facilmente. (I create sentences with the new words so as to memorize them more easily.)
Qual é a principal razão pela qual os turistas estudam português antes de visitar Lisboa, de acordo com o texto?
Read this passage:
Os turistas visitam Lisboa de modo a experimentar a cultura vibrante e a culinária deliciosa. Eles planejam seus roteiros cuidadosamente, procurando sempre aproveitar ao máximo cada momento na cidade, de modo a não perder nenhuma atração importante. Além disso, muitos estudam um pouco de português antes da viagem, de modo a poderem se comunicar melhor com os locais e ter uma experiência mais autêntica.
Qual é a principal razão pela qual os turistas estudam português antes de visitar Lisboa, de acordo com o texto?
O texto afirma claramente: 'muitos estudam um pouco de português antes da viagem, de modo a poderem se comunicar melhor com os locais e ter uma experiência mais autêntica.'
O texto afirma claramente: 'muitos estudam um pouco de português antes da viagem, de modo a poderem se comunicar melhor com os locais e ter uma experiência mais autêntica.'
O que a empresa espera alcançar ao implementar novas políticas de trabalho flexível?
Read this passage:
A empresa implementou novas políticas de trabalho flexível, de modo a melhorar o bem-estar dos funcionários e aumentar a produtividade. Acredita-se que um ambiente de trabalho mais equilibrado levará a um maior engajamento. As reuniões agora são mais curtas e focadas, de modo a otimizar o tempo de todos e evitar interrupções desnecessárias. A equipe de RH também oferece workshops regulares, de modo a desenvolver as habilidades dos colaboradores.
O que a empresa espera alcançar ao implementar novas políticas de trabalho flexível?
O texto diz: 'A empresa implementou novas políticas de trabalho flexível, de modo a melhorar o bem-estar dos funcionários e aumentar a produtividade.'
O texto diz: 'A empresa implementou novas políticas de trabalho flexível, de modo a melhorar o bem-estar dos funcionários e aumentar a produtividade.'
Por que o chef dedicou tanto tempo experimentando diferentes combinações de ingredientes?
Read this passage:
O chef preparou um prato especial com ingredientes frescos e locais, de modo a realçar os sabores autênticos da região. Ele passou horas na cozinha, experimentando diferentes combinações, de modo a garantir que cada elemento do prato estivesse perfeito. A apresentação também foi cuidadosamente planejada, de modo a criar uma experiência gastronômica memorável para os clientes. O resultado foi um jantar inesquecível.
Por que o chef dedicou tanto tempo experimentando diferentes combinações de ingredientes?
O texto afirma: 'ele passou horas na cozinha, experimentando diferentes combinações, de modo a garantir que cada elemento do prato estivesse perfeito.'
O texto afirma: 'ele passou horas na cozinha, experimentando diferentes combinações, de modo a garantir que cada elemento do prato estivesse perfeito.'
The phrase 'de modo a' introduces the purpose or result of the action, which is to guarantee the success of the project.
Here, 'de modo a' connects the intense studying with the goal of passing the exam.
The adjustment of the plan is done with the intention ('de modo a') of meeting the new demands.
A empresa ajustou sua estratégia de mercado ___ alcançar um público mais amplo.
The phrase 'de modo a' introduces the purpose or result of the action, fitting perfectly with 'to reach a wider audience'.
Os cientistas realizaram experimentos rigorosos ___ confirmar a teoria.
'De modo a' is used here to indicate the scientists' intention to confirm the theory through rigorous experiments.
Ele treinou intensamente ___ superar seus próprios limites físicos.
This sentence uses 'de modo a' to express the purpose of intense training: to overcome physical limits.
O governo implementou novas políticas ___ melhorar a qualidade de vida da população.
Here, 'de modo a' clarifies the objective behind the government's implementation of new policies.
Os arquitetos projetaram o edifício ___ maximizar a entrada de luz natural.
The architects designed the building 'de modo a' (in such a way as to) maximize natural light, indicating purpose.
Ela estudou por muitas horas ___ garantir um bom desempenho no exame final.
'De modo a' correctly links her many hours of study to the goal of performing well on the final exam.
/ 48 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
Use 'de modo a' to clearly state the reason or goal behind an action.
- purpose
- intention
- in order to
Contenu associé
Expressions liées
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a curto prazo
A2Over a short period of time; short-term.
à exceção de
B1With the exception of; apart from.
a longo prazo
A2Over a long period of time; long-term.
a não ser que
A2Unless; except if; only if not.
a partir de
A2Starting from; from a certain point in time or place.
a prazo
A2For a period of time; on credit or payment terms.
a tempo inteiro
B1Full-time; working the full number of hours considered normal for a job.
a tempo parcial
B1Part-time; working less than full-time hours.
abdicar
A2To give up, to abdicate; to renounce or relinquish a throne, right, power, or claim.
acessível
B1Available, accessible; easy to approach or use.
