Meaning
Indicates the purpose or objective of an action.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, the singular 'com vista a' is strictly preferred in formal writing. Using the plural 'vistas' might be seen as a 'Brazilianism' or a sign of less rigorous editing in high-brow circles. In Brazil, 'com vistas a' (plural) is extremely common in legal and journalistic language. It is often considered more 'elegant' by lawyers and judges. In African Lusophone countries, the expression remains a staple of post-colonial administrative language, often used in development reports and official government gazettes. This phrase is a key part of 'Euro-Portuguese'. Because many EU documents are translated from English ('with a view to'), this specific Portuguese phrase appears much more frequently in official EU translations than in natural spoken Portuguese.
The 'à' Rule
If you follow 'com vista' with a feminine noun, always check if you need the crasis (à). It's the most common mistake for advanced learners.
Register Check
Don't use this in a bar or with your family. You will sound like you are reading a law book.
Meaning
Indicates the purpose or objective of an action.
The 'à' Rule
If you follow 'com vista' with a feminine noun, always check if you need the crasis (à). It's the most common mistake for advanced learners.
Register Check
Don't use this in a bar or with your family. You will sound like you are reading a law book.
Brazil vs Portugal
In Brazil, feel free to use 'com vistas a' (plural). In Portugal, stick to the singular 'com vista a'.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta (com vista a / com vista à / com vista ao).
O projeto foi reformulado _________ melhoria dos resultados.
'Melhoria' is a feminine noun, so 'a' + 'a' = 'à'.
Qual frase usa a expressão corretamente para indicar um objetivo?
Escolha a opção correta:
This is the only sentence where the phrase correctly indicates a purpose/goal.
Combine a ação com o seu objetivo formal usando 'com vista a'.
Ação: 'A empresa investiu em novos softwares...'
This correctly uses the infinitive verb 'aumentar' to show purpose.
Complete o diálogo formal.
Diretor: 'Por que alteramos o cronograma?' Secretária: 'Fizemo-lo _________ evitar atrasos na entrega.'
In a formal corporate context, 'com vista a' is the most appropriate choice.
Use a contração correta antes do substantivo masculino.
Eles estudam o mercado _________ desenvolvimento de novos produtos.
'Desenvolvimento' is masculine, so 'a' + 'o' = 'ao'.
🎉 Score: /5
Visual Learning Aids
A vs PARA
Practice Bank
5 exercisesO projeto foi reformulado _________ melhoria dos resultados.
'Melhoria' is a feminine noun, so 'a' + 'a' = 'à'.
Escolha a opção correta:
This is the only sentence where the phrase correctly indicates a purpose/goal.
Ação: 'A empresa investiu em novos softwares...'
This correctly uses the infinitive verb 'aumentar' to show purpose.
Diretor: 'Por que alteramos o cronograma?' Secretária: 'Fizemo-lo _________ evitar atrasos na entrega.'
In a formal corporate context, 'com vista a' is the most appropriate choice.
Eles estudam o mercado _________ desenvolvimento de novos produtos.
'Desenvolvimento' is masculine, so 'a' + 'o' = 'ao'.
🎉 Score: /5
Frequently Asked Questions
14 questionsNo, it is used for objectives or actions. You wouldn't say 'com vista ao João'. You would say 'com o intuito de ver o João'.
In Portugal, it is often discouraged. In Brazil, it is perfectly acceptable and very common in formal writing.
'Para' is neutral and used everywhere. 'Com vista a' is formal and emphasizes a strategic objective.
No, it can be followed by a noun phrase, like 'com vista ao sucesso'.
Yes, it's a great way to introduce the purpose of a paragraph in an essay.
Only in very formal speeches, news broadcasts, or business presentations.
No, that is a common mistake influenced by French 'en vue de'. In Portuguese, it is always 'a'.
Use 'com vista para o mar'. Never use 'a' for physical views.
Yes, especially in 19th-century prose and modern non-fiction.
Only if the email is very formal or about a serious project proposal.
'Com o objetivo de' is the most common and safe synonym.
Not old-fashioned, but definitely 'high-level'. It sounds like a professional adult.
Not really, as the concept of 'formal purpose' doesn't translate well to slang. Slang usually just uses 'pra'.
Only if you are being ironic or very, very professional with a client.
Related Phrases
Com o intuito de
synonymWith the intention of
Tendo em vista
similarConsidering / With a view to
A fim de
synonymIn order to
Com o fito de
specialized formWith the aim of
No sentido de
similarIn the sense of / With the aim of
