No tocante à investigação

You place this phrase at the beginning of a sentence. It sets the stage for everything that follows. In Portuguese, tocante comes from the verb tocar (to touch). So, you are literally saying "In the part that touches the investigation." You must use the à with the accent (crase). This is because tocante requires the preposition a, and investigação is a feminine noun. If you forget the accent, a grammar teacher might shed a tear. Use it to introduce new information. Use it to pivot from general talk to specific details. It works beautifully in written reports. It also shines in formal speeches or corporate Zoom calls.

This phrase lives in the penthouse of formality. It is not for the beach. It is not for the nightclub. It is very common in legal documents (juridiquês). You will also find it in high-level journalism. Think of a news anchor on a national channel. On a scale of 1 to 10, with 10 being "Meeting the Queen," this is an 8. If you use it with your friends, they might ask if you are planning to sue them. It is polished, cold, and incredibly clear. In a business setting, it shows you are serious about the data.

You might see this on a Netflix true-crime documentary. The detective looks at the camera and says No tocante à investigação, ainda não temos suspeitos. It also appears in academic papers about social issues. If a company is doing an internal audit, the HR manager might use it. Even on LinkedIn, a professional might use it to discuss a market study. It is the language of those who deal with facts and evidence. It is the "investigative journalist" vibe in phrase form. If you are watching a Brazilian political debate, prepare to hear it often. Politicians love sounding this precise.

Use it during a job interview if they ask about a project you led. It shows you have a high-level vocabulary. Use it when writing a formal email to a client about a search for errors. It is perfect for a thesis or a formal school presentation. If you are a fan of crime novels, use it when discussing the plot. It is great for explaining why a certain process is taking so long. When you need to sound impartial and objective, this is your best friend. It removes the "I think" and replaces it with "The facts show."

Do not use this while ordering a pizza via WhatsApp. No tocante à investigação do sabor... is just weird. Avoid it during a first date unless you are both lawyers. It is way too heavy for casual Sunday lunches with family. If you are texting a group chat about a party, stay away. Using it in a YouTube comment on a funny video will look like a joke. It is a specialized tool, like a scalpel. You don't use a scalpel to butter your bread. Keep it in your "professional" toolbox.

One big mistake is forgetting the à. People often mix up the prepositions because Portuguese grammar is a wild ride. Another mistake is using it for simple things. You don't need this phrase to talk about what you ate for breakfast. Save it for actual inquiries. Don't forget that tocante is an adjective here. It must stay in the singular even if the investigation is complex.

If you want something slightly less formal, try Quanto à investigação. This is the “business casual” version of the phrase. Another option is Em relação à investigação. This is very common and neutral. For a truly academic feel, you could use No que diz respeito à investigação. If you are in a rush, just use Sobre a investigação. In Portugal, you might hear Relativamente à investigação more often. Each one changes the flavor of the sentence slightly. No tocante à remains the most “high-brow” and specific. It really emphasizes the “touching upon” aspect of the topic.

Can I use this for a scientific study? Yes, it is perfect for discussing research. Is it used in Portugal and Brazil? Yes, both countries use it in formal contexts. Why is there an accent on the à? It is the fusion of the preposition a and the article a. Does it sound old-fashioned? A little bit, but in a "classy" way, not a "dead language" way. Is it common in emails? Only in very formal or official business emails. Should I use it in a school essay? Absolutely, it will impress your Portuguese teacher. Can I use it for a police report? That is the most natural place for it!