C1 Formal Register 19 min read Hard

Formal Research Phrases: Presenting Data Like a Pro

Shift from 'I think' to 'It was observed' to sound authoritative and objective in professional Portuguese.
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Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds

Elevate your data presentation by using precise, formal verbs like 'evidenciar', 'corroborar', and 'sugerir' instead of simple verbs like 'mostrar'.

  • Use 'evidenciar' to highlight clear proof: 'Os dados evidenciam uma tendência de alta.'
  • Use 'corroborar' to support an existing theory: 'Estes resultados corroboram a hipótese inicial.'
  • Use 'sugerir' for cautious interpretation: 'Os números sugerem uma mudança no comportamento do consumidor.'
Data/Subject + [Formal Verb] + [Object/Finding]

Overview

Mastering the formal register in Portuguese is paramount for academic and professional success. It signifies credibility, objectivity, and intellectual rigor. This isn't merely about using sophisticated vocabulary; it involves a fundamental shift in grammatical structures to depersonalize findings and emphasize data over the researcher's agency.

In essence, it allows the information itself to speak, rather than positioning the speaker or writer as the primary conveyor. This approach is rooted in the expectation of objectivity within scholarly and corporate discourse, where personal opinions are minimized in favor of empirically supported conclusions.

Formal research phrases serve as linguistic tools to achieve this critical distance. They transform subjective statements into objective observations, ensuring that your communication aligns with the conventions of advanced Portuguese. Understanding these structures empowers you to navigate complex discussions, present compelling arguments, and maintain an authoritative voice, whether you're composing a scientific article, delivering a business report, or articulating a complex idea in a high-stakes meeting.

How This Grammar Works

The backbone of formal Portuguese research communication lies in impersonality and passive constructions. While English often defaults to the active voice, prioritizing the agent ("I found that…," "We analyzed the data…"), formal Portuguese consciously minimizes the explicit subject. This linguistic strategy is not arbitrary; it stems from a cultural and academic preference for objectivity and modesty, where the focus should be on the research, findings, or processes, rather than on the individuals performing them.
By obscuring the agent, the language elevates the validity and universality of the presented information.
1. Impersonal Constructions: These structures inherently remove a direct, explicit subject. They often employ verbs in the third person singular, or fixed expressions that do not refer to a specific individual or group. The most common manifestations include:
  • Impersonal se (Indefinite Subject se): This se particle indicates an unspecified human agent. It translates roughly to "one," "people," or "they" (in an indefinite sense) in English. The verb is always conjugated in the third person singular.

Ex: Em Portugal, fala-se português. (In Portugal, one speaks Portuguese / Portuguese is spoken.)

Ex: Nesta pesquisa, verificou-se que as tendências mudaram. (In this research, it was verified that the trends changed.)

  • Impersonal Verbs: Certain verbs are inherently impersonal or take on an impersonal meaning in specific contexts.
  • Haver (to be/exist, in the sense of "there is/are"): Always in the third person singular, never plural, even with plural objects. Há muitos dados disponíveis. (There are many data available.)
  • Fazer (to do/make, in expressions of time or weather): Faz três anos que estudamos o fenômeno. (It's been three years since we studied the phenomenon.)
  • Impersonal Expressions with É (It is…): These phrases are fixed and introduce a necessary action, condition, or observation. They frequently trigger the subjunctive mood when followed by que.
  • É importante que se considere... (It is important that one consider...)
  • É necessário analisar... (It is necessary to analyze...)
  • Convém ressaltar que... (It is fitting to highlight that...)
2. Passive Voice: The passive voice shifts the grammatical subject from the agent performing the action to the recipient of the action. Portuguese employs two primary forms of the passive voice:
  • Analytic Passive (Periphrastic Passive): Formed with the verb ser (to be) conjugated, followed by the past participle of the main verb. The participle must agree in gender and number with the grammatical subject. This form allows for the explicit mention of the agent using por (by).

Ex: Os resultados foram obtidos pelos pesquisadores. (The results were obtained by the researchers.)

Ex: A metodologia será aprimorada. (The methodology will be improved.)

This form is common when you want to subtly imply or state the agent, or when the action is more directly attributable.
  • Synthetic Passive (Pronominal Passive or Passive with se): This is the more concise and often preferred form in formal Portuguese, particularly in academic writing, as it further minimizes the agent. It is formed by placing the particle se after the verb (in affirmative sentences) or before the verb (in negative sentences or with certain adverbs/pronouns), and conjugating the verb in the third person singular or plural, agreeing with the grammatical subject (which is the object of the active sentence).

Ex: Analisaram-se os dados. (The data were analyzed / One analyzed the data.) - Here, os dados is the grammatical subject.

Ex: Observou-se uma correlação. (A correlation was observed / One observed a correlation.) - Here, uma correlação is the grammatical subject.

Crucial distinction: Unlike the indefinite subject se (always singular verb), the synthetic passive se requires the verb to agree in number with the object being acted upon.
By systematically employing these impersonal and passive structures, you achieve a linguistic distance that lends authority and objectivity to your statements. The focus moves from who is saying something to what is being said, reinforcing the empirical nature of research.

Formation Pattern

1
Mastering formal research phrases requires understanding their underlying grammatical constructions. These patterns are highly regular and, once learned, can be applied across various contexts. Below are the key formation patterns, organized for clarity and progressive complexity.
2
1. Impersonal Expressions with É + Adjective/Adverb/Noun:
3
These phrases often introduce a general truth, necessity, or possibility. When followed by que, they typically demand the subjunctive mood.
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| Pattern | Meaning (approx.) | Example | Translation |
5
|:--------------------------------------|:------------------------------|:------------------------------------------------|:------------------------------------------------|
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| É crucial (que) + Subjunctive/Infinitive | It is crucial (that) | É crucial que se compreendam os riscos. | It is crucial that the risks be understood. |
7
| É fundamental (que) + Subjunctive/Infinitive | It is fundamental (that) | É fundamental rever a metodologia. | It is fundamental to review the methodology. |
8
| É importante (que) + Subjunctive/Infinitive | It is important (that) | É importante que se note a diferença. | It is important that the difference be noted. |
9
| É necessário (que) + Subjunctive/Infinitive | It is necessary (that) | É necessário que os dados sejam validados. | It is necessary that the data be validated. |
10
| É evidente que + Indicative | It is evident that | É evidente que os resultados são promissores. | It is evident that the results are promising. |
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| É provável que + Subjunctive | It is probable that | É provável que haja novas descobertas. | It is probable that there are new discoveries. |
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Example in context: Para garantir a validade do estudo, é crucial que todos os participantes respondam ao questionário de forma completa e honesta. (To ensure the study's validity, it is crucial that all participants answer the questionnaire completely and honestly.)
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2. Impersonal se (Indefinite Subject):
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This construction indicates an unspecified human agent performing the action. The verb always remains in the third person singular, regardless of the number of the logical object.
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Formation: Verb (3rd person singular) + se
16
Ex: Trabalha-se muito neste laboratório. (One works a lot in this laboratory.)
17
Ex: Na pesquisa, observa-se que o padrão se mantém. (In the research, it is observed that the pattern holds.)
18
Ex: Fala-se de novas diretrizes para o próximo ano fiscal. (One speaks of new guidelines for the next fiscal year.)
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This se is distinct because it doesn't agree with the direct object; it simply points to an unnamed human agent.
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3. Synthetic Passive se (Pronominal Passive):
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This is perhaps the most ubiquitous formal passive construction in Portuguese. It renders the original direct object as the grammatical subject, making the verb agree with it in number. The se particle is part of the passive marker.
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Formation: Verb (3rd person singular or plural) + se + Subject (original direct object)
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| Active Sentence | Synthetic Passive | Translation |
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|:------------------------------|:------------------------------------------------|:------------------------------------------------|
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| Nós analisamos o relatório. | Analisou-se o relatório. | The report was analyzed. |
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| Nós analisamos os relatórios.| Analisaram-se os relatórios. | The reports were analyzed. |
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| A equipe obteve os dados. | Obtiveram-se os dados. | The data were obtained. |
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| Eles observaram uma tendência.| Observou-se uma tendência. | A tendency was observed. |
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Example: Durante o período de coleta, verificaram-se inconsistências nos registros. (During the collection period, inconsistencies were verified in the records.)
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4. Analytic Passive (Ser + Past Participle):
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This construction is more explicit than the synthetic passive and is used when you might want to introduce the agent with por (by), or simply to emphasize the state resulting from an action.
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Formation: Ser (conjugated) + Past Participle (agrees with subject in gender and number)
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| Tense | Singular Masculine | Plural Masculine | Singular Feminine | Plural Feminine |
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|:------------|:---------------------|:---------------------|:---------------------|:---------------------|
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| Present | é analisado | são analisados | é analisada | são analisadas |
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| Past | foi verificado | foram verificados | foi verificada | foram verificadas |
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| Future | será estudado | serão estudados | será estudada | serão estudadas |
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Ex: A teoria foi desenvolvida por renomados cientistas. (The theory was developed by renowned scientists.)
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Ex: Os resultados preliminares estão sendo avaliados. (The preliminary results are being evaluated.)
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5. Verbs and Expressions for Specific Research Stages:
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Introducing the Study/Methodology:
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O presente estudo visa (a/o)... (The present study aims at...)
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Pretende-se investigar... (It is intended to investigate...)
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Optou-se por uma abordagem qualitativa. (A qualitative approach was chosen.)
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A metodologia adotada consistiu em... (The adopted methodology consisted of...)
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Presenting Findings/Analysis:
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Os dados indicam que... (The data indicate that...)
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Constata-se uma correlação positiva. (A positive correlation is observed.)
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Verificou-se que a maioria dos participantes... (It was verified that the majority of participants...)
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Aponta-se para a necessidade de... (The need for... is pointed out.)
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Ressalta-se a importância de... (The importance of... is highlighted.)
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Concluding/Discussing:
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Conclui-se, portanto, que... (It is concluded, therefore, that...)
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Diante do exposto, infere-se que... (In light of the foregoing, it is inferred that...)
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Em suma, o estudo demonstrou que... (In summary, the study demonstrated that...)
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Infere-se que os resultados são significativos. (It is inferred that the results are significant.)
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Each of these patterns contributes to building a robust, objective, and formally appropriate discourse in Portuguese.

When To Use It

Employing formal research phrases is not a stylistic choice; it is a register requirement for specific communicative contexts in Portuguese. These structures are indispensable in any setting demanding objectivity, authority, and academic or professional rigor. Failure to use them can undermine your credibility and lead to your work being perceived as amateurish or insufficiently serious.
1. Academic Writing:
This is the primary domain for these phrases. You will use them extensively in:
  • Theses, dissertations, and academic papers: O presente trabalho investiga..., Observou-se uma tendência clara nos dados., Conclui-se que o modelo proposto é eficaz.
  • Research proposals: Pretende-se explorar as interações entre..., A metodologia a ser empregada baseia-se em...
  • Literature reviews: Constata-se na literatura que há escassez de estudos sobre..., Tem sido amplamente discutido que...
  • Conference presentations and abstracts: These require concise, objective summaries of research.
2. Professional and Business Communication:
In corporate and institutional environments, formal language signals professionalism, precision, and respect. It ensures that communication is clear, unambiguous, and focused on facts and analysis.
  • Official reports: Sales reports, market analyses, project evaluations. Os indicadores de desempenho apontam para..., Recomenda-se a implementação de novas estratégias.
  • Formal emails to superiors or clients: When conveying crucial information, findings, or recommendations. Informamos que a análise foi concluída., Propõe-se que se realize uma reunião.
  • Business presentations: Especially when presenting data, strategic plans, or financial results to stakeholders, boards, or executives. Verifica-se um aumento na rentabilidade., Espera-se que o projeto gere valor.
  • Policy documents and legal texts: These documents inherently demand extreme precision and impersonality.
3. Public and Formal Discourse:
Any situation where you are expected to represent an institution, present factual information, or maintain a high level of decorum.
  • Formal speeches: From governmental figures, university rectors, or corporate leaders.
  • Journalistic reports (especially analytical pieces): When presenting complex findings or investigations.
  • Official statements: From organizations or public entities.
When NOT to Use It:
Conversely, these phrases are entirely inappropriate for informal settings. Using them in casual conversations, social media posts, or personal emails would sound pedantic, unnatural, and possibly humorous. Imagine telling a friend, Observa-se que a pizza está pronta. (It is observed that the pizza is ready.) — it creates an absurdly formal tone for a trivial event.
The key is register alignment: match your language to the context and audience.
In essence, whenever the context demands objectivity, detachment from personal opinion, and an emphasis on the message's content over its messenger, these formal research phrases become your indispensable tools.

Common Mistakes

Advanced learners often grapple with the nuances of formal Portuguese, leading to several predictable error patterns. Recognizing these common pitfalls and understanding the underlying reasons will significantly refine your formal writing and speaking.
1. Over-personalization:
  • Error: Using first-person pronouns (eu, nós) or subjective expressions (eu acho, na minha opinião) in formal contexts where impersonality is expected.
  • Why it's wrong: It undermines objectivity and makes your findings appear as personal beliefs rather than evidence-based conclusions. The focus shifts from the data to your individual perspective.
  • Correction: Replace Eu acho que os dados sugerem... with Os dados sugerem que... or Conclui-se que... (It is concluded that...). Replace Nós analisamos os resultados. with Analisaram-se os resultados. (The results were analyzed.)
2. Incorrect se Agreement (Synthetic Passive vs. Indefinite Subject se):
  • Error: Confusing the indefinite subject se (verb always singular) with the synthetic passive se (verb agrees with the grammatical subject).
  • Observou-se os dados. (Incorrect for plural dados)
  • Why it's wrong: This is a fundamental grammatical error that betrays a lack of understanding of Portuguese passive constructions. The synthetic passive must agree with the logical object that becomes the grammatical subject.
  • Correction: Observaram-se os dados. (The data were observed.) Here, os dados is the subject, so the verb observar must be plural. Remember: if the se refers to an action done to a noun, that noun becomes the subject, and the verb agrees with it.
3. Mixing Registers (Code-Switching Inconsistently):
  • Error: Combining highly formal structures with colloquial vocabulary or informal sentence patterns within the same piece of communication. E.g., Conclui-se que o negócio tá meio enrolado. (It is concluded that the business is a bit messed up.)
  • Why it's wrong: It creates a jarring and unprofessional tone. The register should be consistent throughout formal communication.
  • Correction: Maintain a consistently elevated vocabulary and sentence structure. Conclui-se que a situação comercial é complexa e requer atenção. (It is concluded that the commercial situation is complex and requires attention.)
4. Subjunctive Neglect after Impersonal Expressions:
  • Error: Failing to use the subjunctive mood after impersonal expressions followed by que that denote uncertainty, necessity, or recommendation.
  • É importante que a pesquisa é validada. (Incorrect)
  • Why it's wrong: These expressions require the subjunctive to convey the non-factuality or desirability of the subordinate clause. This is a common error for learners whose native languages might not have such a robust subjunctive.
  • Correction: É importante que a pesquisa seja validada. (It is important that the research be validated.) Other common triggers: É provável que..., É essencial que..., Convém que....
5. Inappropriate Use of Gerunds (PT-EU specific):
  • Error (more common in PT-EU): Overusing the gerund (-ndo) for ongoing actions in formal contexts, especially when estar a + infinitive is preferred.
  • Estamos analisando os resultados. (Often sounds more Brazilian or less formal in PT-EU academic contexts).
  • Why it's wrong: While perfectly acceptable in PT-BR, in formal PT-EU, estar a + infinitive (estar a analisar) is often considered more elegant and standard for progressive actions. The gerund can sometimes sound more informal or like an anglicism in PT-EU.
  • Correction (PT-EU): Estamos a analisar os resultados. (We are analyzing the results.) For advanced learners targeting PT-EU, this distinction is important.
6. Semantic Imprecision:
  • Error: Using vague or generalized terms where more specific academic or technical vocabulary is required. E.g., coisas instead of elementos, fatores, variáveis.
  • Why it's wrong: Formal communication demands precision. Vague language can lead to misinterpretation and diminish the intellectual quality of your work.
  • Correction: Cultivate a robust vocabulary specific to your field. Always opt for the most precise term available.
By systematically addressing these common mistakes, you will not only improve your grammatical accuracy but also enhance the clarity, authority, and professionalism of your Portuguese formal communication.

Real Conversations

While the term "conversations" might suggest informal dialogue, in the context of formal research phrases, we're referring to real-world formal discourse. This includes written academic texts, professional emails, business reports, and formal presentations. Observing how native speakers integrate these phrases in such contexts reveals their natural flow and effectiveness. The goal is not just to form correct sentences, but to weave them into coherent and persuasive arguments.

1. Academic Abstract (Written):

O presente estudo aborda a complexidade das interações sociais em ambientes digitais. Verificou-se que a utilização de plataformas específicas influencia diretamente os padrões de comunicação interpessoal. Sugere-se a implementação de diretrizes para promover um ambiente mais inclusivo. Conclui-se, assim, que é fundamental uma análise contínua deste fenômeno para otimizar as políticas de moderação.

- O presente estudo aborda...: Clear, formal introduction of the study's topic.

- Verificou-se que...: Impersonal observation of a finding (synthetic passive se).

- Sugere-se a implementação...: Impersonal recommendation (synthetic passive se).

- Conclui-se, assim, que...: Formal conclusion marker.

- é fundamental uma análise...: Impersonal expression of necessity.

2. Professional Email (Written):

(From a manager to a team about project status)*

Prezados, informa-se que o prazo para a entrega da fase inicial do projeto foi estendido em duas semanas. É imperativo que se redobrem os esforços para a conclusão das tarefas pendentes. Solicita-se que cada membro da equipe apresente um plano atualizado até o final da semana. Acredita-se que, com dedicação, seja possível atingir os objetivos estabelecidos.

- informa-se que...: Impersonal notification (synthetic passive se).

- foi estendido...: Analytic passive, clearly stating the change.

- É imperativo que se redobrem...: Strong impersonal necessity, triggering subjunctive (redobrem) and synthetic passive (se redobrem).

- Solicita-se que... apresente...: Impersonal request, triggering subjunctive (apresente).

- Acredita-se que... seja possível...: Impersonal belief, triggering subjunctive (seja).

3. Business Presentation (Spoken):

(During a quarterly review of financial performance)*

Bom dia a todos. Na análise dos resultados do último trimestre, observa-se uma ligeira desaceleração no crescimento. No entanto, convém ressaltar que as despesas operacionais foram significativamente reduzidas. Propõe-se que se invista em novas tecnologias para otimizar a eficiência. Espera-se que esta medida resulte numa recuperação sustentável nos próximos meses.

- observa-se uma desaceleração: Impersonal observation (synthetic passive se).

- convém ressaltar que...: Impersonal expression of something worth highlighting.

- foram significativamente reduzidas: Analytic passive, stating the reduction.

- Propõe-se que se invista...: Impersonal proposal, triggering subjunctive (invista) and synthetic passive (se invista).

- Espera-se que esta medida resulte...: Impersonal expectation, triggering subjunctive (resulte).

These examples demonstrate how formal research phrases are not isolated grammatical exercises but integral components of sophisticated Portuguese communication. They allow speakers and writers to convey information with precision, maintain an objective tone, and adhere to the established conventions of academic and professional discourse.

Quick FAQ

Addressing common questions helps consolidate understanding and clarify nuanced aspects of formal Portuguese.
Q1: Can I use Nós (We) in a formal academic paper or report?
A1: Yes, especially in Brazilian Portuguese, the "plural de modéstia" (plural of modesty) is generally acceptable, particularly in methodology sections where you describe actions taken by the research team (Nós analisamos os dados., Nós desenvolvemos o questionário.). However, the impersonal se or passive voice is often preferred in stricter academic contexts, particularly in European Portuguese, as it conveys a higher degree of objectivity and detachment. For results and conclusions, impersonal forms (Analisaram-se os dados., Conclui-se que...) are almost always more suitable to emphasize the findings over the researchers.
When in doubt, lean towards impersonality for maximal formality and objectivity.
Q2: Are there significant differences in these formal phrases between Brazilian Portuguese (PT-BR) and European Portuguese (PT-EU)?
A2: The core grammatical structures (synthetic passive se, analytic passive, impersonal expressions) are fundamentally the same. However, stylistic preferences and vocabulary can differ:
  • Gerund vs. estar a + Infinitive: PT-BR heavily uses the gerund for ongoing actions (estamos analisando). In formal PT-EU, estar a + infinitive (estamos a analisar) is often preferred and considered more idiomatic, although the gerund is understood. For C1 learners aiming for PT-EU, internalizing estar a + infinitive is crucial.
  • Placement of object pronouns: In PT-BR, proclisis (pronoun before the verb, se faz) is dominant. In PT-EU, mesocrisis (pronoun in the middle, far-se-á) and enclisis (pronoun after the verb, faz-se) are more common, especially in formal writing and future/conditional tenses. For se constructions, PT-EU often uses fez-se while PT-BR uses se fez.
  • Vocabulary: Certain terms might vary (equipe (BR) vs. equipa (EU), planejamento (BR) vs. planeamento (EU)). These are lexical differences rather than grammatical, but important for register alignment.
  • Overall Formality: PT-EU formal writing can sometimes lean towards an even more conservative and indirect style than PT-BR, though both value objectivity. Always consider your target audience.
Q3: How can I practice and internalize these complex structures effectively?
A3: Mere memorization of lists is insufficient. Adopt these strategies:
  • Active Reading: When reading academic articles, research papers, or formal news reports in Portuguese, specifically identify and analyze these formal phrases. Pay attention to the verb conjugation, the use of se, and the overall sentence structure.
  • Sentence Transformation: Take informal sentences or active voice sentences and systematically transform them into formal, impersonal, or passive constructions. Ex: Eu vi um problema. -> Observou-se um problema.
  • Targeted Writing Practice: Dedicate writing sessions solely to drafting formal paragraphs on specific topics, consciously attempting to integrate a variety of impersonal and passive structures.
  • Mimicry: Choose a well-written academic text and try to rewrite a paragraph using your own words but mimicking the formal structures and tone. This builds muscle memory for the register.
  • Feedback: Seek feedback from native speakers or advanced instructors on your formal writing. They can pinpoint awkward phrasing or incorrect usage.
Q4: Do these phrases make my writing sound unnatural or overly stiff?
A4: When used correctly and in the appropriate context, they make your writing sound professional, authoritative, and sophisticated, which is precisely the goal of formal communication. They only sound unnatural if misused in informal settings or if the vocabulary isn't aligned with the formal register. The key is to understand when and how to deploy them, ensuring that the formality serves to enhance clarity and credibility, not obscure it.
Q5: What are some good go-to phrases for a quick start in formal writing?
A5: For introduction: O presente estudo visa... or Pretende-se investigar... For results: Verificou-se que... or Os dados sugerem que... For conclusions: Conclui-se, portanto, que... or Em face do exposto, infere-se que... Start with these and gradually expand your repertoire as you become more comfortable.

Formal Verb Conjugation (Present Tense)

Verb 3rd Person Singular 3rd Person Plural
Evidenciar
evidencia
evidenciam
Corroborar
corrobora
corroboram
Sugerir
sugere
sugerem
Ratificar
ratifica
ratificam
Atestar
atesta
atestam

Meanings

The use of specialized, high-register verbs to describe findings, trends, and correlations in academic or professional reports.

1

Evidence/Proof

Verbs that indicate clear, undeniable proof.

“O gráfico evidencia a queda nas vendas.”

“Os dados comprovam a teoria.”

2

Support/Alignment

Verbs that show how new data aligns with previous findings.

“Estes resultados corroboram as descobertas anteriores.”

“A pesquisa ratifica os dados de 2022.”

3

Interpretation/Suggestion

Verbs used when the data implies a trend but isn't absolute proof.

“Os números sugerem uma correlação direta.”

“A tendência aponta para um crescimento sustentável.”

Reference Table

Reference table for Formal Research Phrases: Presenting Data Like a Pro
Form Structure Example
Affirmative
Data + Verb + Object
O estudo evidencia o erro.
Negative
Data + não + Verb + Object
O estudo não evidencia o erro.
Question
O que o estudo evidencia?
O que o estudo evidencia?
Passive
Object + é + Participle + por + Data
O erro é evidenciado pelo estudo.

Formality Spectrum

Formal
Os dados evidenciam uma tendência.

Os dados evidenciam uma tendência. (Professional report)

Neutral
Os dados mostram uma tendência.

Os dados mostram uma tendência. (Professional report)

Informal
Os dados mostram um jeito.

Os dados mostram um jeito. (Professional report)

Slang
Os dados tão mostrando uma parada.

Os dados tão mostrando uma parada. (Professional report)

Verb Intensity Scale

Evidence Strength

Strong

  • Evidenciar To highlight/prove
  • Atestar To attest

Moderate

  • Corroborar To support

Cautious

  • Sugerir To suggest
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Examples by Level

1

O gráfico mostra os dados.

The chart shows the data.

1

Os números apontam para um aumento.

The numbers point to an increase.

1

A pesquisa indica uma mudança.

The research indicates a change.

1

Estes dados corroboram a nossa ideia.

These data support our idea.

1

O estudo evidencia uma falha no sistema.

The study highlights a flaw in the system.

1

A análise ratifica a validade do modelo proposto.

The analysis ratifies the validity of the proposed model.

Easily Confused

Formal Research Phrases: Presenting Data Like a Pro vs Mostrar vs Evidenciar

Learners use 'mostrar' for everything.

Common Mistakes

✗

O dado mostra muito.

✓

O dado evidencia muito.

Use more precise vocabulary.
✗

O estudo corroborar a ideia.

✓

O estudo corrobora a ideia.

Wrong conjugation.
✗

Os dados sugerem que é verdade.

✓

Os dados corroboram a tese.

Use more formal nouns.
✗

O gráfico evidencia que talvez seja bom.

✓

O gráfico sugere uma tendência positiva.

Avoid hedging with 'talvez' when using strong verbs.

Sentence Patterns

Os dados ___ a hipótese.

Real World Usage

Academic Paper constant

O estudo evidencia a falha.

Job Interview common

Meus resultados corroboram minha experiência.

Business Report very common

Os números sugerem crescimento.

Social Media (LinkedIn) occasional

Os dados atestam o sucesso.

News Analysis common

A pesquisa indica uma crise.

University Presentation common

O gráfico corrobora a tese.

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💡

Avoid Repetition

Don't use the same verb twice in a paragraph. Use synonyms like 'atestar' and 'ratificar'.

Smart Tips

Use 'evidenciar' for strong data.

O gráfico mostra o erro. → O gráfico evidencia o erro.

Pronunciation

e-vi-den-CI-ar

Stress

Most of these verbs are stressed on the penultimate syllable.

Declarative

Os dados evidenciam a tendência. ↘

Finality and authority.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

E-C-S: Evidenciar (Evidence), Corroborar (Confirm/Support), Sugerir (Suggest).

Visual Association

Imagine a judge (Evidenciar) holding a gavel, a witness (Corroborar) nodding in agreement, and a detective (Sugerir) looking at clues with a magnifying glass.

Rhyme

Para provar, evidenciar; para apoiar, corroborar; para supor, sugerir com rigor.

Story

Dr. Silva looked at her data. The numbers were clear: they 'evidenciavam' the success of the drug. Her colleagues 'corroboravam' her findings. She 'sugeriu' further testing to be safe.

Word Web

EvidenciarCorroborarSugerirRatificarAtestarIndicar

Challenge

Write three sentences about your day using these verbs to describe your 'data' (e.g., 'The coffee consumption suggests I am tired').

Cultural Notes

Brazilians value clarity. Use these verbs to show you are organized.

More traditional, often uses 'ratificar'.

Very common in PowerPoint presentations.

Most of these verbs come from Latin roots (e.g., 'corroborare').

Conversation Starters

“

O que os dados sugerem sobre o mercado?

Journal Prompts

Describe a recent success using formal verbs.

Common Mistakes

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

Incorrect

Correct

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Test Yourself

Select the best verb. Multiple Choice

Os dados ___ a teoria.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: evidenciam
Evidenciar is the most formal.

Score: /1

Practice Exercises

1 exercises
Select the best verb. Multiple Choice

Os dados ___ a teoria.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: evidenciam
Evidenciar is the most formal.

Score: /1

Practice Bank

11 exercises
Complete the phrase for introducing a topic. Fill in the Blank

O presente estudo tem ___ objetivo analisar as tendências de mercado.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: como
Choose the correct connector for contrast. Fill in the Blank

Os lucros subiram. ___, a satisfação do cliente caiu.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em contrapartida
Identify the passive synthetic form. Multiple Choice

Which sentence uses the formal 'se' correctly?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Notou-se uma queda nos preços.
Order the words to form a formal conclusion. Sentence Reorder

que / conclui-se / portanto / eficaz / o método / é

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Conclui-se, portanto, que o método é eficaz.
Match the informal phrase to its formal equivalent. Match Pairs

Match the pairs:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Eu acho que -> Os dados sugerem que","Por causa disso -> Em virtude disso","No final -> Em suma"]
Correct the informality in a methodology description. Error Correction

Nós usamos o Google para achar os dados.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Utilizou-se o motor de busca Google para a coleta de dados.
Translate the phrase 'It is worth noting'. Translation

Translate: 'It is worth noting that the results are preliminary.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Vale ressaltar que os resultados são preliminares.
Select the best phrase to agree with previous research. Multiple Choice

Which phrase means 'supports the findings'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Corrobora os achados
Complete the transition. Fill in the Blank

___ ao custo, não houve alterações.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No que tange
Match the verb to its noun collocation. Match Pairs

Connect the verb to the appropriate noun.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: ["Coletar -> Dados","Realizar -> Pesquisa","Obter -> Resultados"]
Make this sentence impersonal. Error Correction

Eu entrevistei trinta pessoas.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Foram entrevistadas trinta pessoas.

Score: /11

FAQ (1)

Only if it's a formal business email.

Scaffolded Practice

1

1

Mastery Progress

Needs Practice

Improving

Strong

Mastered

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In Other Languages

Spanish high

corroborar

None.

French high

corroborer

None.

German moderate

belegen

Syntax.

Japanese low

shoumei suru

Verb structure.

Arabic moderate

yuthbit

Root system.

Chinese low

zhengming

No conjugation.

Learning Path

Prerequisites

Previous
Portuguese Formal Impersonal Verbs (Haver, Se)

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