Desta forma

The Portuguese phrase desta forma is a versatile adverbial locution that translates most directly to 'in this way,' 'in this manner,' or 'thus.' It is a contraction of the preposition de (of/from) and the demonstrative pronoun esta (this - feminine), followed by the noun forma (way/form/shape). In the landscape of the Portuguese language, this phrase serves as a logical bridge, connecting an action or a premise to a specific method of execution or a resulting state. It is ubiquitous in both spoken and written Portuguese, though it carries a slightly more polished and structured tone than the simpler synonym assim. When a speaker uses desta forma, they are often pointing to a method that has just been described or is currently being demonstrated, creating a high degree of spatial or logical proximity between the instruction and the execution.

Grammatical Composition

The phrase is formed by the contraction de + esta. In Portuguese, demonstratives change based on the proximity to the speaker. Desta refers to something very close to the person speaking or something that was literally just mentioned in the preceding sentence.

Socially and professionally, desta forma is the 'glue' of logic. If you are explaining a recipe, a mathematical formula, or a business strategy, you use this phrase to synthesize the steps. It signals to the listener that the information provided is the definitive method to achieve the desired outcome. It avoids the ambiguity that sometimes accompanies more casual transitions. For instance, in a corporate environment, a manager might outline a new workflow and conclude with, 'Desta forma, aumentaremos a nossa produtividade' (In this way, we will increase our productivity). Here, the phrase acts as a concluding catalyst, turning a set of instructions into a logical consequence.

Furthermore, the nuance of desta forma vs. dessa forma is a hallmark of high-level Portuguese. While many native speakers use them interchangeably in casual speech, desta (with a 't') strictly refers to what the speaker is currently introducing or has just said, whereas dessa (with an 's') refers to what the listener said or something slightly further away in the discourse. Understanding this distinction elevates a learner's fluency from basic to sophisticated. It is not just about the 'way' things are done, but the 'immediate way' being highlighted by the speaker right now.

Register and Tone

While 'assim' is common in street slang and casual chats, 'desta forma' is preferred in academic essays, news broadcasts, and formal emails. It provides a rhythmic cadence to the sentence that suggests careful thought and precision.

In literary contexts, authors use desta forma to create a sense of inevitability. When a character makes a choice, the narrator might follow up with how, desta forma, their fate was sealed. It implies a direct causal link that is stronger than a simple 'so' or 'then.' It is a phrase of consequence and methodology. By mastering it, you are not just learning a vocabulary item; you are learning how to structure Portuguese thought patterns. It allows you to move away from short, choppy sentences and toward fluid, interconnected paragraphs that demonstrate a command of Portuguese logic and rhetoric.

Usage Frequency

In the Corpus do Português, 'desta forma' and its variants appear frequently in the top 2000 most common phrases, especially in 'Jornalismo' (Journalism) and 'Acadêmico' (Academic) sub-corpora.

To summarize, desta forma is the bridge between a method and its result. It is the tool of the teacher, the strategist, and the storyteller. It transforms a simple observation into a logical conclusion, making your Portuguese sound more deliberate, professional, and clear. Whether you are explaining how to use a software or describing a historical event, this phrase will be your most reliable connector.

Using desta forma correctly involves understanding its role as a sentence connector or a concluding adverbial phrase. It typically appears in three main positions within a sentence, each offering a slightly different emphasis on the logic being presented. Understanding these positions is key to sounding like a native speaker who has a firm grasp of Portuguese syntax.

Position 1: The Sentence Starter

When placed at the beginning of a sentence, Desta forma acts as a transition from the previous sentence's idea. It is almost always followed by a comma. Example: 'Ele economizou dinheiro o ano todo. Desta forma, conseguiu viajar nas férias.' (He saved money all year. In this way, he managed to travel on vacation.)

Starting a sentence with desta forma is particularly effective in formal writing, such as reports or academic papers. It signals a 'conclusion' or a 'consequence' phase of an argument. It tells the reader, 'Based on what I just said, here is the result.' It is much more formal than starting with 'Então' (So) or 'Assim' (Thus/So).

Position 2: The Mid-Sentence Connector

It can also be used after a semicolon to link two independent but closely related clauses. This usage is common in more complex sentence structures. Example: 'A empresa investiu em tecnologia; desta forma, reduziu os custos operacionais.' (The company invested in technology; in this way, it reduced operational costs.)

In this mid-sentence position, the phrase serves to show a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It is often used to avoid repetitive sentence structures. Instead of having two short sentences, you create a sophisticated flow. It is important to note that when used this way, it still retains its comma immediately following the phrase to set it apart as an adverbial adjunct.

Position 3: The End-of-Sentence Modifier

Less common but still possible, it can end a sentence to emphasize the 'manner' of an action. Example: 'Você deve segurar a caneta desta forma.' (You should hold the pen in this way.)

When used at the end of a sentence, desta forma is usually referring to a physical demonstration happening at that exact moment. For instance, a sports coach showing a specific move would say 'Faça desta forma' while performing the action. This is the most literal use of the phrase, where 'desta' points to the visual evidence provided by the speaker.

One must also be careful with the plural. While 'desta forma' is the standard, if you are referring to multiple ways, you would use destas formas, though this is significantly rarer. The singular 'forma' usually encompasses the entire method being described. In comparison to English, desta forma is more formal than 'like this' and more natural than 'in this manner' in everyday Portuguese conversation.

Finally, consider the register. If you are writing a text message to a friend, you might just say 'faz assim' (do it like this). But if you are writing a LinkedIn post or a professional email, desta forma provides the necessary weight and clarity to ensure your message is taken seriously. It shows that you have logically organized your thoughts and are presenting a structured conclusion.

If you were to walk through the streets of Lisbon or São Paulo, you might not hear desta forma as often as you hear 'assim' or 'desse jeito.' However, the moment you step into a professional, educational, or media-driven environment, the frequency of this phrase skyrockets. It is a staple of 'Standard Portuguese' (Português Padrão) and is essential for anyone looking to navigate the more formal side of Lusophone culture.

In the News and Media

Journalists and news anchors use 'desta forma' constantly to summarize complex events. After detailing a series of government decisions, an anchor might say, 'Desta forma, os preços devem cair na próxima semana' (In this way, prices should fall next week). It adds an air of objectivity and logical sequence to the reporting.

In the world of Portuguese television, especially in documentaries or educational programs (like those on TV Cultura in Brazil or RTP in Portugal), desta forma is used to explain processes. Whether it's showing how a car engine works or how a historical treaty was signed, the phrase acts as the linguistic 'pointer' that directs the viewer's attention to the method being explained.

In Business and Corporate Life

In a 'reunião' (meeting), 'desta forma' is the language of consensus and strategy. When a team agrees on a plan, the leader will often summarize it using this phrase to ensure everyone is on the same page regarding the 'how' of the project. It sounds much more professional than saying 'então a gente faz isso' (so we do this).

If you are reading a contract or a formal letter in Portuguese, you will almost certainly encounter desta forma. It is used to define the specific ways in which clauses are to be executed. In legal Portuguese, precision is paramount, and this phrase provides a specific reference to the terms previously stated. It leaves little room for the ambiguity that 'assim' might allow.

Academic and Educational Settings

Professors use this phrase when teaching. 'Desta forma, chegamos à solução da equação' (In this way, we arrive at the solution of the equation). For students, using this phrase in an essay (dissertação) is a great way to earn points for 'cohesion and coherence,' as it shows a clear logical progression of ideas.

Even in literature, from the classics of Machado de Assis to modern novelists like José Saramago, desta forma appears to provide a narrative rhythm. It allows the author to step back and comment on the actions of the characters, linking their behaviors to the outcomes of the plot. It is a phrase that bridges the gap between the 'what' and the 'why' of a story.

In summary, you will hear desta forma whenever someone is trying to be clear, logical, and slightly formal. It is the language of the 'professional self.' Whether you are listening to a podcast about history, watching a YouTube tutorial on coding in Portuguese, or attending a lecture at a university in Coimbra, this phrase will be a constant companion in your auditory journey.

Even though desta forma seems straightforward, there are several nuances that can trip up even intermediate learners. The most common errors usually involve the confusion between 'desta' and 'dessa,' the incorrect placement of commas, and the over-formalization of casual speech. Let's break these down to ensure your usage is flawless.

Mistake 1: Desta vs. Dessa

This is the most frequent error. In Portuguese, 'esta' (and thus 'desta') refers to what the speaker is saying or something physically close to them. 'Essa' (and thus 'dessa') refers to what the listener said or something further away. If you say 'desta forma' while referring to a point your friend just made, it is technically incorrect; you should use 'dessa forma'.

Think of it as the 'T' rule: DesTa = This (here/mine). DesSa = Second person (yours/there). While this distinction is fading in very casual Brazilian Portuguese, it remains vital in writing and formal speech. Using 'desta' when you mean 'dessa' can make your logic feel slightly disconnected from the conversation.

Mistake 2: Missing Commas

When 'desta forma' is used as an introductory phrase at the start of a sentence, it MUST be followed by a comma. Many learners forget this, which disrupts the natural pause required in Portuguese prosody. Without the comma, the sentence can feel rushed and grammatically 'tight'.

The comma signals that desta forma is an adverbial adjunct (adjunto adverbial). It sets the stage for the rest of the sentence. For example, 'Desta forma podemos vencer' is less correct than 'Desta forma, podemos vencer.' The latter allows the reader to process the 'manner' before the 'action.'

Mistake 3: Overuse in Casual Speech

While not a 'grammar' error, using 'desta forma' too often in a bar with friends can make you sound like a textbook or a politician. It is a high-register phrase. In a relaxed setting, 'assim' or 'desse jeito' is much more natural. Learning when NOT to use a word is just as important as learning when to use it.

Imagine telling a friend how to open a bottle of beer. If you say, 'Segure a garrafa e, desta forma, aplique força no abridor,' it sounds absurdly formal. Instead, you would say, 'Segura a garrafa e faz assim.' Save desta forma for when you want to impress, explain something complex, or write something official.

Finally, watch out for the contraction. Sometimes learners write 'de esta forma' as three separate words. While this was common in archaic Portuguese, modern grammar requires the contraction 'desta.' Leaving them separate looks like a beginner mistake and breaks the phonetic flow of the language. Always contract 'de' with demonstratives starting with 'e'.

To truly master Portuguese, you need a variety of ways to express the same idea. While desta forma is excellent, relying on it too much can make your speech repetitive. Here are several alternatives, ranging from the very casual to the highly academic, that will help you diversify your vocabulary.

Assim

The most common synonym. It is short, punchy, and works in almost every context. However, it is less precise than 'desta forma.' While 'desta forma' focuses on the method, 'assim' can mean 'so,' 'thus,' or 'like this.' Use 'assim' for daily conversations and 'desta forma' for structured explanations.

Comparing the two: 'Faça assim' is what you say to a child. 'Proceda desta forma' is what you say to an employee. The meaning is identical, but the social weight is vastly different. 'Assim' is the Swiss Army knife of Portuguese connectors.

Desse jeito / Deste jeito

This is very common in Brazil. 'Jeito' means 'way' or 'manner' but in a more colloquial sense. 'Deste jeito' is slightly more informal than 'desta forma' and is perfect for giving friendly advice or explaining a simple task. It feels warmer and more approachable.

In Portugal, you might hear 'desta maneira' or 'deste modo' more frequently than 'deste jeito.' These are great middle-ground alternatives that are professional but not overly stiff. 'Deste modo' is particularly popular in academic writing as a direct substitute for 'desta forma.'

Desse modo / Deste modo

These are almost perfect synonyms for 'desta/dessa forma.' 'Modo' and 'Forma' are often interchangeable in this context. Some writers prefer 'modo' because it sounds slightly more abstract and intellectual. If you are writing a long paper, you can alternate between 'desta forma' and 'deste modo' to keep the text engaging.

For a very high-level, almost archaic feel, you can use dessarte or destarte. These are contractions of 'dessa/desta arte' (in this art/way). You will only see these in very old books or extremely formal legal documents. Using them in conversation would be seen as a joke or a sign of being incredibly old-fashioned, but knowing them is a sign of a true scholar.

In summary, choose your 'way' based on your 'audience.' Use desta forma for clarity and professionalism, assim for speed and casualness, deste modo for academic variety, and deste jeito for a friendly, Brazilian touch. Having this toolkit at your disposal will make your Portuguese sound rich and contextually appropriate.