de acordo com

The Portuguese phrase de acordo com is a cornerstone of functional communication, serving as a prepositional locution that translates most directly to the English "according to" or "in accordance with." At its heart, the phrase is composed of three distinct parts: the preposition de (of/from), the noun acordo (agreement/accord), and the preposition com (with). When combined, they create a linguistic bridge that connects an action, a statement, or a state of being to its source of authority, information, or regulation. In the Lusophone world, this phrase is ubiquitous because it allows speakers to distance themselves from the information they are providing, attributing it to a third party, a document, or a set of rules. This is essential in both formal and informal contexts. For instance, when you are relaying news, you might say "De acordo com o jornal," which immediately signals to your listener that the information is not your personal opinion but is backed by a publication. In a more regulatory sense, it is used to ensure compliance. If you are following a recipe, you are acting de acordo com the instructions. The beauty of this phrase lies in its versatility; it functions perfectly in a high-level legal contract just as easily as it does in a casual conversation about the weather forecast. It provides a sense of order and alignment. Linguistically, it requires a complement—something or someone to be in agreement with. This complement usually follows the word com. It is important to note that acordo itself comes from the Latin accordare, which relates to the heart (cor, cordis). Thus, being "de acordo" implies a harmony or a bringing together of hearts or minds. In modern usage, however, the literal 'heart' connection has faded, leaving behind a robust tool for citation and compliance. Whether you are a student citing a source, a worker following a protocol, or a citizen obeying the law, de acordo com is your primary vehicle for expressing that alignment.

Grammatical Category

Prepositional Phrase (Locução Prepositiva)

Primary Function

Attributing information to a source or indicating compliance with rules.

English Equivalents

According to, in line with, as per, consistent with.

Furthermore, the phrase is often used to establish a logical flow in arguments. In academic writing, it is the standard way to introduce a citation. Instead of simply stating a fact, a writer will use de acordo com to ground that fact in existing research. This builds credibility. In daily life, it helps resolve disputes. If two people disagree on a fact, one might say, "De acordo com o Google..." to provide a definitive answer. It is also a key phrase in the business world, where projects must be executed de acordo com the budget or the timeline. The phrase carries a weight of objectivity. It suggests that the speaker is not making things up but is adhering to an external reality or standard. This makes it a powerful tool for persuasion and clarity. Even in creative writing, it can be used to set a scene or establish the rules of a fictional world. The phrase is so common that it often appears at the very beginning of sentences, acting as a frame for the information that follows. This 'framing' function is one of its most important roles in Portuguese syntax, allowing for a clear separation between the source and the statement.

Register

Neutral to Formal. It is acceptable in all levels of speech but is the standard for professional and academic writing.

Common Contexts

News reporting, legal documents, scientific papers, daily instructions, scheduling.

Using de acordo com correctly involves understanding its placement and how it interacts with the rest of the sentence. Most commonly, it acts as an introductory phrase. When placed at the beginning of a sentence, it sets the stage for the information that follows. For example, "De acordo com o relatório, as vendas aumentaram." Here, the phrase establishes the source immediately. Notice the use of a comma after the introductory phrase; this is a standard punctuation rule in Portuguese that helps the reader pause and identify the source before the main clause. However, the phrase can also be placed in the middle or at the end of a sentence to provide justification or detail. For instance, "Nós organizamos a festa de acordo com os seus desejos." In this case, it explains the manner in which the action was performed. The flexibility of its position allows speakers to emphasize different parts of the sentence. If the source is the most important part, put it first. If the action is more important, put the phrase later. Another crucial aspect is the contraction of the preposition com with articles. While com does not contract with o, a, os, as in the same way de or em do (e.g., do, no), you must ensure the article matches the noun that follows. So, it is "de acordo com o professor" (masculine singular) or "de acordo com as regras" (feminine plural). This agreement is vital for grammatical correctness. Furthermore, de acordo com can be followed by a noun, a pronoun, or even a clause starting with o que. For example, "De acordo com o que você disse..." (According to what you said...). This allows for complex referencing. In more formal writing, you might see variations like "em conformidade com," but de acordo com remains the most versatile. It is also important to distinguish it from the verbal phrase "estar de acordo com," which means "to agree with." While they share the same core, the latter requires a subject and a conjugated verb estar. For example, "Eu estou de acordo com você" (I agree with you) vs. "De acordo com você, o filme é bom" (According to you, the movie is good). Understanding this distinction prevents common errors where learners might confuse reporting information with expressing personal agreement.

Sentence Structure 1

[De acordo com] + [Source], + [Main Clause].

Sentence Structure 2

[Subject] + [Verb] + [De acordo com] + [Standard/Rule].

When using the phrase in the plural, the structure remains identical, but the following article must change. "De acordo com os dados coletados..." (According to the collected data...). In academic contexts, this is often followed by the author's name and the year of publication, such as "De acordo com Silva (2023)." This demonstrates the phrase's role as a formal citation tool. In legal contexts, it is often paired with specific articles or laws: "De acordo com o artigo 5º da Constituição..." This usage is rigid and precise. For learners, a common pitfall is forgetting the de at the beginning. Simply saying "Acordo com..." would change the meaning to "I agree with" (if interpreted as a verb) or would simply be an incomplete fragment. The full tripartite structure—de + acordo + com—is non-negotiable for this specific meaning. Another nuance is the use of the phrase with abstract concepts. You can act "de acordo com a sua consciência" (according to your conscience) or "de acordo com a lógica" (according to logic). This shows that the 'source' doesn't always have to be a person or a document; it can be an internal or external principle. This breadth of application makes it one of the most useful phrases to master for reaching the A2 level and beyond. It allows you to move from simple sentences to more complex, evidence-based communication. By using de acordo com, you are signaling to your interlocutor that you are a careful speaker who pays attention to sources and standards, which is a key trait of advanced language proficiency.

Common Mistake

Saying 'de acordo a' (incorrectly influenced by Spanish 'de acuerdo a'). In Portuguese, it is strictly 'de acordo com'.

If you turn on a Portuguese or Brazilian news broadcast, you will hear de acordo com within the first five minutes. It is the lifeblood of journalism. Reporters use it to cite government officials, police reports, and scientific studies. For example, a news anchor might say, "De acordo com o Ministério da Saúde, os casos de gripe diminuíram." This usage is so common that it becomes almost invisible to native speakers, but for a learner, it is a clear signal that factual information is being presented. In the workplace, the phrase is equally prevalent. During meetings, colleagues will refer to plans or budgets: "Precisamos agir de acordo com o orçamento aprovado." This ensures that everyone is on the same page and following the established rules. You will also find it in every single contract or legal document you encounter in a Portuguese-speaking country. Phrases like "de acordo com as cláusulas deste contrato" are standard. This legalistic weight makes the phrase feel very official. However, don't be fooled into thinking it's only for formal settings. In a casual home environment, a parent might tell a child, "Você deve se comportar de acordo com o que conversamos." Here, it refers to a previous verbal agreement or a set of family rules. Even in sports, commentators use it: "De acordo com as estatísticas, este é o melhor jogador da temporada." It is truly a phrase for all seasons. Another interesting place you'll hear it is in GPS navigation systems. When the voice says, "Siga de acordo com as instruções na tela," it is using the phrase to guide your physical movement. This highlights the phrase's role in directing behavior. In the digital age, you'll see it on websites, particularly in 'Terms and Conditions' sections: "Ao usar este site, você concorda em agir de acordo com nossos termos." This ubiquitous presence across media, professional life, family dynamics, and technology makes it an essential part of the Portuguese linguistic landscape. It is one of those phrases that, once you learn it, you start hearing it everywhere, like a secret code that has suddenly been revealed to you. It bridges the gap between different registers of the language, providing a consistent way to express alignment and source-attribution regardless of who you are talking to or what the subject matter is.

Media Usage

High frequency in news, weather reports, and documentaries.

Professional Usage

Standard for project management, legal compliance, and HR communications.

Furthermore, the phrase is often heard in educational settings. Teachers use it to refer to textbooks or curriculum standards: "De acordo com o livro, a Revolução Francesa começou em 1789." This reinforces the idea that knowledge is grounded in sources. In the context of Brazilian Portuguese specifically, there is a slight tendency to use "segundo" in very rapid, informal speech, but "de acordo com" remains the preferred choice for anyone wanting to sound clear and educated. In Portugal, the phrase is used with similar frequency and in the same contexts, though the pronunciation of the vowels will differ slightly (the 'de' being more closed). Regardless of the dialect, the functional utility of the phrase remains unchanged. It is a linguistic anchor. When you hear it, you know that what follows is not just a random thought, but something connected to a larger body of information or a pre-existing agreement. This makes it a key listening marker for students. If you can identify "de acordo com" in a stream of speech, you have successfully identified the source of the information being discussed, which is a major step forward in comprehension. It also helps in identifying the 'why' behind an action. If someone says they are doing something "de acordo com a vontade do chefe," you immediately understand their motivation. This depth of meaning, combined with its high frequency, makes it a top-tier phrase for any serious learner of Portuguese.

Regional Variation

In Brazil, 'de acordo com' is standard. In Portugal, 'consoante' is a common formal alternative, though 'de acordo com' is equally understood and used.

One of the most frequent errors English speakers make when learning de acordo com is influenced by their native language or other Romance languages like Spanish. In Spanish, the equivalent is often "de acuerdo a." Consequently, many students mistakenly say "de acordo a" in Portuguese. This is grammatically incorrect. In Portuguese, the preposition com is mandatory after acordo when it functions as part of this locution. Another common mistake is confusing the locution with the verb phrase "estar de acordo." While "De acordo com o João, a festa é às oito" (According to João...) is correct for reporting information, "Eu estou de acordo com o João" (I agree with João) expresses personal concurrence. Learners often drop the verb estar and say "Eu de acordo com o João," which is a broken sentence. It is vital to distinguish between citing someone and agreeing with someone. Furthermore, some learners try to translate "according to" literally as "acordando a," which makes no sense in Portuguese, as acordar usually means "to wake up." This is a classic false cognate trap. Another subtle mistake involves the use of articles. Because com doesn't contract with articles (unlike de + o = do), students sometimes forget to include the article at all. They might say "de acordo com lei" instead of the correct "de acordo com a lei." In Portuguese, general concepts like 'the law' or 'the truth' almost always require a definite article. Additionally, there is the confusion between de acordo com and em acordo com. While em acordo com exists, it is much rarer and usually implies a state of being in a formal agreement or treaty, rather than simply reporting information. For 99% of situations, de acordo com is the phrase you want. Finally, learners sometimes overcomplicate the phrase by adding extra prepositions, like "de acordo com ao..." which is redundant. Keeping it simple—de + acordo + com + [article] + [noun]—is the key to success. By avoiding these pitfalls, you will sound much more natural and your meaning will be crystal clear to native speakers.

Mistake 1: 'De acordo a'

This is the most common error. Always use 'com'.

Mistake 2: Missing the Article

Remember to say 'de acordo com o/a' before a noun.

Mistake 3: Confusing with 'Acordar'

Don't confuse the noun 'acordo' (agreement) with the verb 'acordar' (to wake up).

Another area of confusion is the word order when using pronouns. If you want to say "according to him," it is "de acordo com ele." Some students try to use the object pronoun "o" or "lhe," resulting in "de acordo com-o," which is incorrect. Prepositions in Portuguese are followed by subject pronouns (ele, ela, eles, elas) or the prepositional forms (mim, ti). So, "de acordo com mim" is also a common mistake; the correct form is "de acordo comigo." This is because com has special forms when combined with first and second person pronouns (comigo, contigo, conosco, convosco). While you rarely need to say "according to me" (usually you'd just say "na minha opinião"), if you do use it, you must use the correct synthetic form. Understanding these grammatical nuances prevents the kind of 'foreigner talk' that can sometimes make communication clunky. Precision with prepositions is one of the hallmarks of a student moving from the intermediate to the advanced level. It shows a deep respect for the internal logic of the Portuguese language. Moreover, pay attention to the context of 'agreement'. If you are talking about a legal agreement (a contract), you use the noun acordo. If you are talking about the act of agreeing, you use the verb concordar. Confusing these can lead to sentences like "Eu acordo com você," which actually means "I wake up with you," when you meant to say "Eu concordo com você" (I agree with you). This is a high-stakes mistake that can lead to significant social awkwardness!

The 'Concordar' vs 'Acordar' Trap

'Concordar' is the verb 'to agree'. 'Acordar' is 'to wake up'. 'Acordo' is the noun 'agreement'. Don't mix them up!

While de acordo com is incredibly useful, a rich vocabulary requires knowing its synonyms and when to use them. The most common alternative is segundo. While de acordo com is three words, segundo is just one, making it very popular in both speech and writing. It means exactly the same thing: "According to." For example, "Segundo o médico..." is identical to "De acordo com o médico..." However, segundo can feel slightly more direct and is very common in journalism to avoid repeating de acordo com too many times. Another important synonym is conforme. This word often carries a nuance of "as" or "in the manner of." For instance, "Fiz conforme você pediu" (I did as you asked). It is excellent for describing actions that follow a specific pattern or instruction. In more formal or bureaucratic contexts, you will encounter consoante. This is particularly common in Portugal and in legal texts in Brazil. It sounds very sophisticated. For example, "Consoante o disposto no artigo..." (In accordance with what is stated in the article...). Another formal option is em conformidade com, which is the direct equivalent of "in compliance with." This is used when strictly following a law, regulation, or technical standard. For example, "O produto foi fabricado em conformidade com as normas da ABNT." If you want to express that something is based on something else, you might use com base em (based on). For example, "Com base em fatos..." (Based on facts...). This is a great way to show the foundation of your reasoning. Finally, there is sob a ótica de (from the perspective of), which is used when reporting an opinion or a specific viewpoint rather than a hard fact. Understanding these alternatives allows you to vary your language and choose the word that best fits the tone of your conversation or document. It also helps with reading comprehension, as you will encounter all of these in various types of Portuguese texts. By mastering these synonyms, you move beyond basic communication and start to appreciate the stylistic nuances of the language.

Segundo

The most common one-word alternative. Great for journalism and quick speech.
Example: Segundo o jornal, amanhã fará sol.

Conforme

Focuses on the manner or way something is done.
Example: Tudo ocorreu conforme o esperado.

Consoante

Very formal, common in legal and administrative Portuguese.
Example: Consoante a lei, o réu é inocente.

Comparing these words further, segundo is often used when the source is a person or a specific entity. "Segundo o meu pai..." sounds very natural. De acordo com is slightly more formal and is perfect for documents or established rules. "De acordo com o regulamento..." sounds more authoritative than "Segundo o regulamento." Conforme is the best choice when you are talking about a process or a sequence of events. "Conforme fomos avançando, o caminho ficou difícil." (As we moved forward...). It acts almost like a conjunction in that sense. Em conformidade com is almost exclusively reserved for business and legal contexts where strict adherence is required. If you use it in a casual conversation, you might sound like you are reading a contract! For example, saying "Vou fazer o jantar em conformidade com a sua receita" is grammatically correct but sounds quite stiff compared to "Vou fazer o jantar de acordo com a sua receita." Another interesting alternative is pelas palavras de (in the words of), which is used for direct quotes or very specific paraphrasing. This is common in literature or high-end journalism. By choosing the right synonym, you show that you understand the social and professional context of your conversation. This is a key part of linguistic 'register,' and mastering it is a sign of true fluency. Don't just stick to one phrase; try to use segundo in your next conversation and conforme when you are following a set of instructions. This variety will make your Portuguese sound much more dynamic and sophisticated.

Register Comparison

Informal: Segundo
Neutral: De acordo com
Formal: Consoante / Em conformidade com