Meaning
Describes something broadly, without going into specific details.
Cultural Background
In Brazilian corporate culture, starting a meeting with 'Em linhas gerais' is a way to respect the 'tempo é dinheiro' (time is money) ethos while still sounding educated. Portuguese speakers often prefer 'Em traços gerais'. It sounds slightly more traditional and is frequently used by politicians and intellectuals on TV. In formal Angolan Portuguese, especially in legal or administrative contexts, 'em linhas gerais' is used to maintain a standard of 'Português Erudito' (learned Portuguese). Similar to other PALOP countries, it is a staple of academic writing in universities in Maputo.
The 'Comma' Rule
If you start a sentence with 'Em linhas gerais', always follow it with a comma to give your listener a moment to prepare for the summary.
Don't be too vague
In a C1 exam, if you use 'em linhas gerais' too much, the examiner might think you don't know the specific vocabulary. Use it once to frame your answer, then dive into details.
Meaning
Describes something broadly, without going into specific details.
The 'Comma' Rule
If you start a sentence with 'Em linhas gerais', always follow it with a comma to give your listener a moment to prepare for the summary.
Don't be too vague
In a C1 exam, if you use 'em linhas gerais' too much, the examiner might think you don't know the specific vocabulary. Use it once to frame your answer, then dive into details.
Portugal vs Brazil
If you are in Lisbon, try using 'Em traços gerais' to sound like a local intellectual.
Test Yourself
Preencha a lacuna com a expressão correta.
O diretor não quis entrar em detalhes, então explicou a demissão ________.
The context of 'not wanting to go into details' requires the expression for a broad summary.
Qual frase utiliza a expressão de forma mais natural para um contexto formal?
Escolha a opção correta:
This is a scientific generalization, which fits the formal/academic register of the phrase.
Complete o diálogo com a opção que faz mais sentido.
A: Você leu o relatório de 200 páginas? B: Não tive tempo, mas li ________ e entendi a conclusão.
The fixed expression is 'em linhas gerais'.
Combine a frase com o contexto mais provável.
Frase: 'Em linhas gerais, a economia deve crescer 2%.'
Economic forecasts in news broadcasts are a classic use case for this formal summary phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Formality Scale
Practice Bank
4 exercisesO diretor não quis entrar em detalhes, então explicou a demissão ________.
The context of 'not wanting to go into details' requires the expression for a broad summary.
Escolha a opção correta:
This is a scientific generalization, which fits the formal/academic register of the phrase.
A: Você leu o relatório de 200 páginas? B: Não tive tempo, mas li ________ e entendi a conclusão.
The fixed expression is 'em linhas gerais'.
Frase: 'Em linhas gerais, a economia deve crescer 2%.'
Economic forecasts in news broadcasts are a classic use case for this formal summary phrase.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, it is considered formal to neutral. It is perfect for work and school.
It's grammatically possible but sounds very unnatural. Stick to the plural 'linhas gerais'.
'Basicamente' is more informal and common in speech. 'Em linhas gerais' is more structured and common in writing.
Yes, though 'em traços gerais' is a very popular alternative there.
Only if you are summarizing their character or biography. 'Em linhas gerais, ele é uma pessoa calma.'
Yes, in the sense of 'approximately' or 'without precision'.
Like the 'ñ' in Spanish or 'ny' in 'canyon'.
Yes. 'Ele explicou o projeto em linhas gerais.'
Very common in news, business, and academic circles.
'Em detalhes' or 'Pormenorizadamente'.
Related Phrases
Em suma
synonymIn short / To sum up
Por alto
similarSuperficially / Roughly
Pormenorizadamente
contrastIn great detail
Grosso modo
similarRoughly speaking
De modo geral
synonymGenerally
