B2 Expression Formal 8 min read

Em relação à pesquisa

Regarding the pesquisa

Literally: In relation to the research

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to introduce specific data or findings professionally.
  • Requires the 'crase' (à) because pesquisa is feminine.
  • Signals competence and preparation in meetings and emails.
  • A formal alternative to the simple word 'sobre' (about).

Meaning

This phrase is the ultimate 'professional pivot' in Portuguese. It signals that you are shifting focus to specific data or findings while sounding organized and authoritative. It carries a vibe of 'I have done my homework and here are the facts.'

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

In a professional email

Em relação à pesquisa de mercado, os resultados foram surpreendentes.

Regarding the market research, the results were surprising.

2

During a Zoom presentation

Em relação à pesquisa quantitativa, notamos um aumento no engajamento.

Regarding the quantitative research, we noticed an increase in engagement.

3

University group chat

Pessoal, em relação à pesquisa do TCC, precisamos marcar uma reunião.

Guys, regarding the thesis research, we need to schedule a meeting.

🌍

Cultural Background

In Brazilian corporate culture, using 'Em relação à' is a sign of 'postura' (professionalism). It is often used to avoid direct confrontation by grounding arguments in data. Portuguese speakers might use 'Relativamente à' more frequently in speech than Brazilians, who tend to save 'Em relação à' for slightly more formal moments. In Angolan administrative Portuguese, this phrase is common in official government gazettes (Diário da República) to link new laws to previous studies. Across the Lusophone world, this phrase is a 'safety' phrase for students during thesis defenses. It buys time to think while sounding smart.

🎯

The Crase Check

If you can swap 'pesquisa' for 'estudo' and the phrase becomes 'ao estudo', then you MUST use 'à' with 'pesquisa'.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'Sobre' or 'Quanto a'.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to introduce specific data or findings professionally.
  • Requires the 'crase' (à) because pesquisa is feminine.
  • Signals competence and preparation in meetings and emails.
  • A formal alternative to the simple word 'sobre' (about).

What It Means

Imagine you are in a high-stakes Zoom meeting. Everyone is debating why sales dropped. You unmute your mic and say Em relação à pesquisa. Suddenly, you have the floor. This phrase is a verbal highlighter. it tells your audience exactly what topic you are addressing. It is more than just a transition. It carries an emotional weight of competence and preparation. In English, we might say 'Regarding the study' or 'As for the survey.' In Portuguese, it sounds polished and precise. It shows you are not just guessing. You are basing your statement on documented evidence. It is the 'suit and tie' of conversational transitions. You use it when you want to look like you have your life together.

How To Use It

Grammatically, this phrase is a powerhouse. It uses the formula: Em relação + a (preposition) + a (article). This results in the famous à with a backtick, known as the 'crase.' If the word following it is masculine, like ao projeto, you use ao. But since pesquisa is feminine, you must use à. Think of it as a bridge. You start with your main thought. Then you use this bridge to cross over to the specific data. For example: 'We have news. Em relação à pesquisa, the results are good.' It usually sits at the start of a sentence or right after a comma. It acts like a signpost on a highway. It tells the reader exactly where the sentence is going. Do not use it for tiny things. It is too heavy for 'In relation to the sandwich.' Keep it for topics that deserve a bit of weight.

Formality & Register

This phrase lives in the Neutral to Formal zones. You will hear it in university hallways, corporate offices, and news broadcasts. It is the standard way to address data in a professional email. However, you probably would not use it with your best friend at a bar. If you said Em relação à pesquisa while discussing which pizza to order, your friend might think you have been working too hard. In casual settings, people prefer Sobre (About). But if you are writing a LinkedIn post or a report, Em relação à pesquisa is your best friend. It bridges the gap between 'I think' and 'The data shows.' It makes you sound like a subject matter expert. It is formal enough to impress a boss but not so stiff that you sound like a 19th-century poet.

Real-Life Examples

Let's look at how this pops up in the wild. On a Netflix documentary about climate change, the scientist says, Em relação à pesquisa recente, o gelo está derretendo. It sounds urgent and factual. In a WhatsApp group for a college project, a student might type: Gente, em relação à pesquisa de campo, já coletei os dados. Here, it adds a layer of seriousness to the chat. Even in social media marketing, you might see a caption: Em relação à pesquisa de satisfação, vocês são os melhores clientes! It turns a simple 'thank you' into something that feels validated by data. It is a very versatile tool for anyone who wants to sound organized. It shows you are thinking logically. It helps you avoid rambling during a presentation. One punchy phrase, and everyone knows you are getting down to business.

When To Use It

Use this phrase when you are presenting findings. It is perfect for the 'Data' slide of your PowerPoint. It is also great for replying to a specific question in an interview. If a recruiter asks about your thesis, start with Em relação à pesquisa que fiz.... It gives you a second to breathe while sounding smart. Use it in professional emails to refer back to a previous study. It is excellent for comparing two different sets of information. You can say, 'Option A is good. Em relação à pesquisa of option B, we see more potential.' It is also useful when you need to correct someone politely. Instead of saying 'You are wrong,' you say, Em relação à pesquisa, os números mostram o contrário. It softens the blow while keeping the focus on the facts. It is the ultimate tool for diplomatic disagreement.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase in highly emotional or intimate settings. If your partner asks why you are late, do not say Em relação à pesquisa do tráfego... unless you want to sleep on the couch. It is too cold and clinical for personal heart-to-hearts. Also, do not use it for very simple, everyday actions. You do not need a formal transition to talk about the weather or what you ate for breakfast. Using it for trivial things makes you sound like a robot trying to pass as human. Avoid it if you do not actually have any research to talk about. It creates an expectation of data. If you follow it up with 'I just feel like it,' you will lose credibility instantly. It is like wearing a tuxedo to a backyard BBQ. You might look good, but you definitely look out of place.

Common Mistakes

The biggest nightmare for learners is the 'crase' (the à). Many people write Em relação a pesquisa without the accent. This is a tell-tale sign of a non-native speaker (or a very distracted native). Another mistake is using the wrong preposition. Some try Em relação de pesquisa, which is just wrong. Stick to a. Also, watch out for the 'over-formalization' trap. Do not use it three times in the same paragraph. It becomes repetitive and loses its impact. Use it once to set the stage, then move on. Finally, do not confuse pesquisa (research) with procura (search). If you are looking for your keys, you are not doing a pesquisa. Unless you are writing a scientific paper about where keys hide, stay away from this phrase in that context.

Common Variations

If you want to spice things up, you have options. Quanto à pesquisa is a direct synonym. It is slightly more common in spoken Brazilian Portuguese. If you want to go full 'Corporate CEO,' try No que tange à pesquisa. That one is very formal and will definitely make people think you have an MBA. For a more modern, tech-savvy vibe, you might see No tocante à pesquisa in legal or technical blogs. If you are feeling casual, just use Sobre a pesquisa. It is shorter and gets the job done without the fanfare. You might also see Relativamente à pesquisa in European Portuguese. It is the same meaning but with a slightly more 'Old World' flavor. Knowing these variations helps you understand different types of content, from TikToks to academic journals.

Real Conversations

Speaker A: Você viu os novos números de engajamento no Instagram?

Speaker B: Vi sim. Em relação à pesquisa de mercado, estamos indo muito bem!

Speaker A: Sério? O que os usuários estão dizendo nos comentários?

Speaker B: Em relação à pesquisa qualitativa, eles amaram o novo design.

Speaker A: Ótimo, vamos apresentar isso na reunião de amanhã.

Speaker B: Com certeza. Vou preparar os slides com as métricas detalhadas.

Speaker A: Não esqueça de mencionar a comparação com o ano passado.

Speaker B: Sim, em relação à pesquisa anterior, o crescimento foi de 20%.

Speaker A: Perfeito. Você é o mestre dos dados!

Speaker B: Só estou fazendo meu trabalho, um dado de cada vez.

Quick FAQ

Is pesquisa only for science? Not at all! It covers everything from a PhD thesis to a simple Google search or a customer survey. Can I use it in a text message? Yes, if you are talking to a colleague or discussing something serious. Is it okay to skip the à? In very informal writing, people might forget it, but it is technically a grammar error. Does it work for masculine words? Yes, but it changes to ao, like Em relação ao estudo. What is the difference between this and sobre? Sobre is 'about' and is more general. Em relação à is 'regarding' and feels more targeted. Is it used in Portugal? Yes, though they might use Relativamente a more often in formal documents. Can I start a sentence with it? Absolutely, it is one of the best ways to start a response. Does it sound snobby? Only if you use it to talk about your lunch choices!

Usage Notes

This expression requires the 'crase' (à) before feminine nouns like 'pesquisa'. It is ideal for professional and academic contexts, functioning as a sophisticated 'pivot' to specific data points. Avoid using it in casual social settings to prevent sounding overly clinical.

🎯

The Crase Check

If you can swap 'pesquisa' for 'estudo' and the phrase becomes 'ao estudo', then you MUST use 'à' with 'pesquisa'.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

Using this in every sentence makes you sound like a robot. Mix it up with 'Sobre' or 'Quanto a'.

💬

The 'Doutor' Vibe

In Portugal, using this phrase correctly helps you fit into academic and medical circles where formality is highly respected.

Examples

10
#1 In a professional email

Em relação à pesquisa de mercado, os resultados foram surpreendentes.

Regarding the market research, the results were surprising.

Sets a professional tone for the rest of the email.

#2 During a Zoom presentation

Em relação à pesquisa quantitativa, notamos um aumento no engajamento.

Regarding the quantitative research, we noticed an increase in engagement.

Helps the speaker transition to a specific slide.

#3 University group chat

Pessoal, em relação à pesquisa do TCC, precisamos marcar uma reunião.

Guys, regarding the thesis research, we need to schedule a meeting.

Used to bring focus to a specific academic task.

#4 Instagram caption for a brand

Em relação à pesquisa de satisfação, 90% de vocês amaram o novo produto!

Regarding the satisfaction survey, 90% of you loved the new product!

Uses formal data-speak to build brand credibility.

#5 Texting a coworker

Em relação à pesquisa que você enviou, vou ler tudo hoje à noite.

Regarding the research you sent, I'll read everything tonight.

Casual but organized way to acknowledge a task.

#6 Explaining a delay to a boss

Em relação à pesquisa de campo, tivemos um pequeno atraso devido à chuva.

Regarding the field research, we had a small delay due to the rain.

Softens bad news by sounding clinical and professional.

A common grammar mistake Common Mistake

✗ Em relação a pesquisa de satisfação... → ✓ Em relação à pesquisa de satisfação...

Regarding the satisfaction survey...

Shows the importance of the crase accent.

Using the wrong preposition Common Mistake

✗ Em relação de pesquisa... → ✓ Em relação à pesquisa...

Regarding the research...

Corrects the preposition from 'de' to 'a'.

#9 A humorous work situation

Em relação à pesquisa sobre quem roubou meu iogurte, o culpado será punido!

Regarding the research on who stole my yogurt, the culprit will be punished!

Uses formal language for a silly office drama.

#10 An emotional academic moment

Em relação à pesquisa da minha vida, este prêmio significa tudo para mim.

Regarding the research of my life, this award means everything to me.

Adds weight and importance to a lifelong achievement.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank with the correct form (à, ao, às, aos).

Em relação ___ pesquisa, os dados estão corretos.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: à

Pesquisa is feminine singular, so we use 'à' (a + a).

Which sentence is the most formal?

Choose the best way to start a scientific report.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em relação à pesquisa, os resultados foram conclusivos.

'Em relação à' is the standard formal connector for reports.

Match the phrase with its register.

Registers: Formal, Informal, Slang

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: all

Each phrase fits its specific social context.

Complete the dialogue in a professional way.

Boss: 'Como estamos com os dados?' You: '__________, terminamos a análise.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em relação à pesquisa

This is the most professional way to pivot to the data.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Fill in the blank with the correct form (à, ao, às, aos). Fill Blank B1

Em relação ___ pesquisa, os dados estão corretos.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: à

Pesquisa is feminine singular, so we use 'à' (a + a).

Which sentence is the most formal? Choose B2

Choose the best way to start a scientific report.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em relação à pesquisa, os resultados foram conclusivos.

'Em relação à' is the standard formal connector for reports.

Match the phrase with its register. Match B2

Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: all

Each phrase fits its specific social context.

Complete the dialogue in a professional way. dialogue_completion B2

Boss: 'Como estamos com os dados?' You: '__________, terminamos a análise.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Em relação à pesquisa

This is the most professional way to pivot to the data.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It's not 'better', it's just more formal. Use 'Sobre' with friends and 'Em relação à' in reports or meetings.

It's a contraction of the preposition 'a' and the article 'a'. It's called a 'crase'.

No, 'pesquisa' is feminine. You must use 'à'.

Yes, though 'Relativamente a' is a very popular alternative there.

Yes, 'Em relação ao João, ele está bem.' (Regarding João, he is fine).

Forgetting the 'crase' accent is the #1 mistake even for native speakers.

Yes, it can mean 'regarding' or 'in comparison to'.

It is perfect for professional emails to clients or bosses.

Think of the 'en' in 'end', but don't let your tongue touch the roof of your mouth.

No, that is grammatically incorrect in modern Portuguese.

Related Phrases

🔗

No que tange a

specialized form

Regarding / In what concerns

🔄

Quanto a

synonym

As for / Regarding

🔗

No tocante a

similar

Regarding

🔗

Acerca de

similar

About

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