De modo a
In order to
Phrase in 30 Seconds
A sophisticated way to express purpose or intention in formal Portuguese writing and speech.
- Means: 'In order to' or 'so as to' followed by an infinitive verb.
- Used in: Academic essays, business reports, legal documents, and formal speeches.
- Don't confuse: With 'de modo que', which usually requires the subjunctive mood.
Explanation at your level:
Meaning
For the purpose of; so that something can happen.
Cultural Background
In Portugal, 'de modo a' is very common in news broadcasts (RTP, SIC) and is seen as a standard part of educated speech. Brazilians often prefer 'a fim de' in semi-formal contexts, reserving 'de modo a' for highly formal writing or legal documents. In African Lusophone countries, the formal register often follows European Portuguese standards closely, making 'de modo a' a frequent choice in official government communications. Across the Lusophone world, university students are taught to use 'de modo a' to avoid the repetitive use of 'para' in their theses.
The 'Que' Rule
If you find yourself wanting to add a subject (I, you, he), switch to 'de modo que'.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use it more than once in a paragraph; it can make your writing feel heavy.
Meaning
For the purpose of; so that something can happen.
The 'Que' Rule
If you find yourself wanting to add a subject (I, you, he), switch to 'de modo que'.
Avoid Overuse
Don't use it more than once in a paragraph; it can make your writing feel heavy.
Brazilian Preference
In Brazil, 'a fim de' is your best friend for professional but not 'stiff' emails.
Negation Placement
Always put 'não' after the 'a': 'de modo a não...'. Never 'não de modo a'.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com 'de modo a' ou 'de modo que'.
O diretor falou pausadamente _______ todos entendessem.
Since 'todos entendessem' is a clause with a new subject and a conjugated verb (subjunctive), 'de modo que' is required.
Escolha a frase mais adequada para um relatório formal.
Como devemos expressar o objetivo de um novo projeto?
This option uses the correct formal register, correct grammar (infinitive), and no unnecessary accents.
Complete a resposta do candidato na entrevista de emprego.
Entrevistador: 'Por que você reorganizou o arquivo?' Candidato: 'Eu o reorganizei _______ facilitar o acesso da equipe.'
'Facilitar' is in the infinitive, and the register is formal, making 'de modo a' the best fit.
Combine a ação com o objetivo usando 'de modo a'.
Ação: 'O governo baixou os impostos'. Objetivo: 'estimular a economia'.
This correctly links the action and purpose using the infinitive.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Synonyms by Formality
Very Formal
- • De modo a
- • Com o intuito de
Neutral
- • A fim de
- • Para
Informal
- • Pra
- • De jeito que
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, in meaning, but 'de modo a' is much more formal and used primarily in writing.
No, it must be followed by a verb in the infinitive. You can't say 'de modo a João'.
Usually, no comma is needed before it unless the sentence is very long or for stylistic emphasis.
It is always 'de modo a'. There is no crase because it precedes a verb.
Only if you are being intentionally formal or ironic. Otherwise, it's too heavy.
There is no difference in meaning. 'De maneira a' is slightly more common in Portugal.
Yes, but it's rare. Usually, it follows a main clause. Example: 'De modo a evitar atrasos, saímos cedo.'
Yes, but mostly in formal writing, news, and law. In speech, it's rare.
The verb after 'a' is always infinitive, but the main verb can be in the past. 'Ele agiu de modo a ajudar.'
It is considered grammatically incorrect by most purists, though you may hear it. Stick to 'de modo que'.
Related Phrases
De maneira a
synonymIn order to
A fim de
similarWith the purpose of
Com o intuito de
specialized formWith the intention of
De modo que
builds onSo that
Para
similarTo / For
Where to Use It
Job Interview
Entrevistador: Por que você quer esta vaga?
Candidato: Quero esta vaga de modo a aplicar meus conhecimentos em gestão e ajudar a empresa a crescer.
Academic Presentation
Estudante: Apresento estes dados de modo a sustentar a minha tese sobre o aquecimento global.
Business Email
Gerente: Estou enviando o contrato em anexo de modo a agilizarmos a assinatura.
Doctor's Appointment
Médico: Vou prescrever este remédio de modo a reduzir a inflamação rapidamente.
Legal Advice
Advogado: Devemos redigir a cláusula de modo a evitar ambiguidades futuras.
Government Announcement
Ministro: As taxas foram reduzidas de modo a estimular o consumo interno.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'Modo' as 'Mode'. You are setting the 'Mode' of your action to reach a specific 'A' (Aim).
Visual Association
Imagine a key (the action) being turned in a lock (de modo a) to open a door (the result). The 'a' in 'de modo a' is the arrow pointing at the door.
Rhyme
De modo a, para o objetivo alcançar.
Story
A diplomat is preparing a speech. He chooses every word 'de modo a' (in a way to) maintain peace. He doesn't just speak; he speaks with a 'mode' that leads 'to' a goal.
Word Web
Challenge
Write three professional goals for your career using 'de modo a' in each sentence. For example: 'Quero aprender Python de modo a automatizar tarefas'.
In Other Languages
De modo a / De manera que
Frequency and stylistic preference.
De manière à
Virtually no difference in usage.
Um ... zu
Syntactic structure and word placement.
ように (youni)
Japanese places the purpose marker after the verb.
بِحَيْثُ (bihaythu)
Often requires a following clause rather than just an infinitive.
以便 (yǐbiàn)
Strictly formal and often used in administrative contexts.
도록 (-dorok)
It is a morphological suffix rather than a separate phrase.
In order to / So as to
English 'so as to' is slightly more formal than 'in order to', similar to 'de modo a'.
Easily Confused
Learners use 'de modo a' with conjugated verbs or 'de modo que' with infinitives.
If there is a 'que', you need a subject and a conjugated verb. If there is an 'a', you need an infinitive.
Both start with 'De modo', but they have opposite meanings.
'De modo algum' means 'By no means' or 'Not at all'.
FAQ (10)
Yes, in meaning, but 'de modo a' is much more formal and used primarily in writing.
No, it must be followed by a verb in the infinitive. You can't say 'de modo a João'.
Usually, no comma is needed before it unless the sentence is very long or for stylistic emphasis.
It is always 'de modo a'. There is no crase because it precedes a verb.
Only if you are being intentionally formal or ironic. Otherwise, it's too heavy.
There is no difference in meaning. 'De maneira a' is slightly more common in Portugal.
Yes, but it's rare. Usually, it follows a main clause. Example: 'De modo a evitar atrasos, saímos cedo.'
Yes, but mostly in formal writing, news, and law. In speech, it's rare.
The verb after 'a' is always infinitive, but the main verb can be in the past. 'Ele agiu de modo a ajudar.'
It is considered grammatically incorrect by most purists, though you may hear it. Stick to 'de modo que'.
