Meaning
Refers to information or findings from a specific source.
Cultural Background
In Brazilian academic culture, using 'De acordo com' is a sign of 'rigor acadêmico'. Students are taught from a young age that their opinions must be backed by 'autoridades' to be valid in formal essays (Redação do ENEM). In Portugal, you might hear 'Consoante' more often in formal legal or administrative contexts than in Brazil. It sounds slightly more traditional and 'European'. In African Lusophone countries, the phrase remains a staple of formal administration, often used to show respect for hierarchy and official documentation. In the 'corporatês' (corporate speak) of the Lusophone world, 'estar de acordo' is often used as a closing statement in emails to confirm a deal or understanding.
The 'Source' Shield
Use 'de acordo com' in meetings to present controversial data. It shifts the focus from your opinion to the data itself.
The Comma Trap
Never place a comma immediately after 'com'. It's a common typo that marks you as a non-native writer.
Meaning
Refers to information or findings from a specific source.
The 'Source' Shield
Use 'de acordo com' in meetings to present controversial data. It shifts the focus from your opinion to the data itself.
The Comma Trap
Never place a comma immediately after 'com'. It's a common typo that marks you as a non-native writer.
The 'OK' Shortcut
In Brazilian WhatsApp, just type 'De acordo' to signify you agree with a plan. It's a polite, slightly formal 'OK'.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta (lembre-se da contração do artigo).
_________ pesquisa divulgada ontem, o desemprego caiu.
'Pesquisa' is a feminine noun, so 'com' + 'a' = 'com a'.
Qual frase está gramaticalmente correta para um relatório formal?
Escolha a opção correta:
This correctly uses the preposition 'com' and the article 'o' without unnecessary commas.
Combine a frase com o contexto mais provável.
Frase: 'Agimos de acordo com o protocolo de segurança.'
The phrase is formal and refers to 'protocol', typical of professional reports.
Complete o diálogo de forma natural e formal.
Juiz: 'Por que o senhor entrou na propriedade?' Réu: 'Eu entrei _________________ o que estava escrito no contrato.'
'De acordo com' is the standard formal way to cite a document in a legal setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Citation vs. Opinion
Practice Bank
4 exercises_________ pesquisa divulgada ontem, o desemprego caiu.
'Pesquisa' is a feminine noun, so 'com' + 'a' = 'com a'.
Escolha a opção correta:
This correctly uses the preposition 'com' and the article 'o' without unnecessary commas.
Frase: 'Agimos de acordo com o protocolo de segurança.'
The phrase is formal and refers to 'protocol', typical of professional reports.
Juiz: 'Por que o senhor entrou na propriedade?' Réu: 'Eu entrei _________________ o que estava escrito no contrato.'
'De acordo com' is the standard formal way to cite a document in a legal setting.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is very common to start a sentence with it to set the context. Example: 'De acordo com o jornal, o tempo vai mudar.'
Not necessarily informal, but it is more 'journalistic'. 'De acordo com' feels slightly more robust and academic.
'De acordo com' is for citing sources. 'Ao encontro de' means 'moving towards' or 'agreeing with' an idea. They are similar, but 'Ao encontro de' is more about movement/alignment of ideas.
No, that is a common error. It must always be 'De acordo com'.
While you can say 'De acordo comigo', it sounds very arrogant or overly formal. Better to say 'Na minha opinião' or 'Para mim'.
Yes, but mostly in legal documents or very formal speeches. You won't hear it in the street.
The word 'com' doesn't change, but the article that follows it does (com os, com as).
Yes, though European Portuguese speakers might use 'Segundo' slightly more frequently in daily conversation.
Yes, 'De acordo com o João' is perfectly fine if you are citing something João said.
There isn't a single opposite phrase, but 'Ao contrário do que diz...' (Contrary to what ... says) is often used to contrast.
Related Phrases
Segundo
synonymAccording to
Conforme
similarAs / In accordance with
Concordar com
builds onTo agree with
Em conformidade com
specialized formIn compliance with
Dito isso
contrastThat being said
