No tocante à pesquisa

Using this phrase requires a bit of grammatical gymnastics, but don't worry, I've got your back. The core structure is No tocante a + [your noun]. Because pesquisa (research) is a feminine noun in Portuguese, you have to merge the preposition a with the article a. This creates the famous à with the back-tick (called a crase). If you were talking about a masculine noun like projeto, it would become No tocante ao projeto. You place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence to set the stage, or you can use it as a bridge between two ideas. For example: "The budget is tight. No tocante à pesquisa, we need more data." It acts as a signpost, telling the listener: "Okay, forget the budget for a second, let's look at the data." It’s a clean break from the previous thought. Just remember, it’s like a spice—use it sparingly or your speech will start to sound like a 19th-century legal document.

This phrase lives in the world of suits, ties, and leather-bound books. It is firmly in the formal category. You will see it in news reports on *Globo*, read it in academic journals, and hear it during corporate board meetings. It’s the kind of language that makes people sit up a little straighter. If you use this while texting your best friend about which Netflix show to watch, they might ask if you’ve been possessed by a lawyer. However, in a job interview or a professional email, it is pure magic. It shows you have a high command of the language. It’s the register of someone who doesn't just "do things" but "executes strategies." If you're aimimg for B2 or C1 proficiency, mastering this register is the secret handshake that gets you into the "native-like" club. It’s professional, polished, and perfectly poised.

Imagine you are writing a LinkedIn post about the latest trends in renewable energy. You might write: "No tocante à pesquisa de campo, os resultados foram surpreendentes." (Regarding the field research, the results were surprising). This sounds much more professional than just saying sobre a pesquisa. Or, think about a news anchor reporting on a new government study. They might say, "No tocante à pesquisa salarial, o governo anunciou novos dados." This phrase is also very common in the "Conclusion" section of university theses. You’ll find it in formal feedback from a professor, or perhaps in a detailed bug report from a senior developer who is very particular about their documentation. It shows up whenever someone needs to be precise and categorical. It’s the language of the "deep dive."

You should reach for this phrase when the stakes are high. It’s perfect for the introductory paragraph of an essay or a formal report where you need to outline different sections. Use it during a presentation when you are switching slides; it’s a great verbal cue that says "new slide, new focus." It’s also excellent in professional emails when you are responding to multiple points. If someone asks you five questions, you can start your paragraphs with No tocante ao primeiro ponto, No tocante à pesquisa, and so on. This makes your reply incredibly easy to read. Basically, use it whenever you want to project an image of competence, organization, and intellectual rigor. It’s your "professional mode" switch.

Whatever you do, don't use this at a churrasco (barbecue). If you say, "No tocante à picanha, está deliciosa," everyone will think you’ve spent too much time reading dictionaries and not enough time eating. It is far too stiff for casual social settings. Avoid it in casual WhatsApp groups, unless you’re being intentionally ironic or funny. Also, don't use it if you aren't actually changing the subject. If you’ve been talking about the research for ten minutes, saying no tocante à pesquisa again is redundant and slightly annoying. It’s a transition tool, not a filler word like "um" or "like." Finally, don't use it if you're not sure about the gender of the noun that follows—getting the à or ao wrong can ruin the sophisticated vibe you're going for.

The biggest trap here is the crase (the à). Many people write No tocante a pesquisa without the accent. In Portuguese, that’s a grammatical sin because you’re missing the hidden article! ✗ No tocante a pesquisa → ✓ No tocante à pesquisa. Another common error is using the wrong preposition entirely. Some people try to say ✗ No tocante da pesquisa, which is a mix-up with dentro da or acerca da. Remember: it’s always tocante A. Also, watch out for the "over-formalization" trap. Some learners use it in every sentence because they think it makes them sound smarter. It doesn't; it just makes the text heavy. ✗ No tocante ao café, eu quero açúcar → ✓ Sobre o café, eu quero açúcar. Keep the heavy machinery for the heavy topics!

If you find yourself using no tocante à too much, you can swap it for No que tange à pesquisa. This is almost an exact synonym and is equally formal. It comes from the verb tanger (to touch or relate to). For something slightly less formal but still professional, try Em relação à pesquisa (In relation to the research) or Quanto à pesquisa (As for the research). If you want to go full-blown "Supreme Court Justice" level of formality, you could use No que concerne à pesquisa. On the flip side, if you realize you’re being too stiff and want to dial it back, just use Sobre a pesquisa (About the research) or Falando da pesquisa (Speaking of the research). Having these variations in your back pocket prevents you from sounding like a broken record.

Is this used in Brazil or Portugal? Both! It’s standard formal Portuguese used across the Lusophone world. Is it old-fashioned? A little bit, but in a "classic" way, not an "obsolete" way. Can I use it with people? Yes, you can say No tocante ao João (Regarding João), but it sounds like you’re discussing him in a performance review. Does it always need the à? Only if the following word is feminine and singular. If it's plural, it's No tocante às. If it's masculine, it's ao. Is it the same as 'About'? Yes, but much more precise and formal. Think of 'About' as a hoodie and No tocante à as a three-piece suit.