Convém ressaltar que

Using this phrase is like building with Lego blocks. You start with the phrase Convém ressaltar que, and then you simply drop in the fact you want to highlight. You don't need to change the verb convém based on who you're talking to; it stays in that neutral, third-person form. It’s an impersonal construction, which is exactly what gives it that "expert" feel. For example, if you're explaining why a project is late, you might say, Convém ressaltar que o prazo foi curto. You’re not blaming yourself; you’re just stating a highlighted fact. It’s like wearing a lab coat while you speak—it just makes you sound like you know exactly what you’re talking about. Plus, it gives you a second to breathe while you think of your next point.

This is definitely the "tuxedo" of Portuguese phrases. You’re probably not going to hear a group of teenagers shouting this at a football match unless they’re being incredibly sarcastic. It sits firmly in the B2 level because it requires a certain level of comfort with formal structures. You’ll find it in academic essays, legal documents, and professional emails. However, don’t think it’s "dead" or "stiff." In a professional Zoom call, using Convém ressaltar que can actually help you command the room. It signals that you are about to provide a structured, well-thought-out point. It’s the difference between saying "Look at this" and "Please observe this critical data point."

Imagine you're watching a documentary on Netflix about the history of Samba. The narrator might say, Convém ressaltar que o ritmo tem raízes profundas na África. It frames the fact as a foundational piece of knowledge. Or think about a LinkedIn post from a tech CEO. They might write, Convém ressaltar que o sucesso da nossa empresa depende da nossa equipe. It adds a layer of professionalism that a simple É importante just doesn't reach. Even in a semi-formal WhatsApp group for a condo association, you might see someone write, Convém ressaltar que a piscina fecha às 22h. It’s polite but firm, like a librarian with a megaphone.

Use it when the stakes are a bit higher. If you're writing a cover letter for a job in Lisbon or São Paulo, this phrase is your best friend. It shows you have a high command of the language. Use it when you need to clarify a point that might be misunderstood. For instance, if you're selling a car online, you could say, Convém ressaltar que o carro nunca foi batido. You want that specific detail to "pop" out of the description. It’s also great for "agreeing to disagree" in a polite way. You acknowledge the other person but then use this phrase to re-center the conversation on your main point. It's the ultimate 'adulting' phrase.

Please, for the love of all that is holy, don't use this while ordering a burger at a drive-thru. If you say, Convém ressaltar que eu não quero cebola, the employee might think you’re a time-traveling 19th-century poet or just someone who’s had too much coffee. It’s too heavy for quick, transactional interactions. Also, avoid it in very intimate settings. Saying to your partner, Convém ressaltar que você esqueceu o lixo, might sound a bit passive-aggressive or overly clinical. Stick to Não esquece or Olha for those "low-stakes" moments. Unless you’re trying to be funny, of course! Humor is the one exception to the formality rule.

The biggest trap is the "dequeísmo." Many learners (and even some natives!) mistakenly add a de before que.

• ✗ Convém ressaltar de que... → ✓ Convém ressaltar que...

This is a big no-no. The verb ressaltar is transitive, meaning it goes straight to the object. Think of it like a direct flight—no layover at de. Another mistake is trying to pluralize the verb. Convêm (with a circumflex) is the plural of convir, but in this specific expression, we always use the singular convém. It’s an impersonal "it is suitable," not "they are suitable." Keep it simple, keep it singular, and skip the de. Don't let the prepositions trip you up!

If Convém ressaltar que feels a bit too "suit and tie" for you, you have options. Vale destacar que (It’s worth highlighting that) is slightly more common in modern journalism and blog posts. É importante salientar que is another classic that means basically the same thing but feels a bit more "academic." If you want to be even more direct, you can use Cabe notar que (It’s worth noting that). Think of these as different filters on an Instagram photo. They all show the same picture, but the "vibe" or "warmth" changes slightly depending on which one you pick. Variety is the spice of life, and the savior of your essays.

Can I use it at the beginning of a paragraph? Absolutely! It’s a fantastic transition word. Does it sound Brazilian or European? It’s used in both, though you might find it slightly more frequent in Portuguese legal contexts in Portugal. Is it better than just saying É importante? Yes, because ressaltar implies a specific action of "pointing out," whereas importante is just a general adjective. It shows you're not just describing the world, but actively guiding your listener's attention. Think of it as the difference between a static map and a GPS that says "Look here!" It's a small upgrade that makes a big impact.