B2 Expression Very Formal 7 min read

No tocante à metodologia

Regarding the metodologia

Literally: In the touching to the methodology

In 15 Seconds

  • High-level way to say 'regarding the methodology'.
  • Used mainly in professional, academic, or legal contexts.
  • Requires the 'crase' (à) when followed by 'metodologia'.
  • Signals a shift to technical or process-oriented details.

Meaning

Think of this as the 'tuxedo' version of 'about'. It's a high-level way to steer a conversation toward the specific rules or methods being used. It signals that you're shifting from general talk to the technical 'how-to' part of a project.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

In a formal business report

No tocante à metodologia de vendas, observamos um crescimento de 10%.

Regarding the sales methodology, we observed a 10% growth.

2

Texting a friend about a date (ironic)

No tocante à metodologia do encontro, acho que a pizza foi a escolha certa.

Regarding the methodology of our date, I think the pizza was the right choice.

3

Writing a university thesis

No tocante à metodologia aplicada, utilizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa.

Regarding the applied methodology, a qualitative approach was used.

🌍

Cultural Background

In Brazil, using 'No tocante a' can sometimes be seen as a sign of 'Juridiquês' (legal-speak). People use it to sound more authoritative in bureaucratic situations, like dealing with banks or government offices. In Portugal, the phrase is very common in 'Linguagem Administrativa'. It is less about 'showing off' and more about following the established norms of formal writing in public administration. Across the Lusophone world, the 'Metodologia' section of a thesis is often the most scrutinized. Using this phrase helps the student sound like a 'real' researcher during their defense. In high-level business circles in São Paulo, this phrase is used to pivot away from emotional or general talk toward technical execution.

🎯

The Crase Shortcut

If you can swap 'metodologia' for a masculine word like 'processo' and it becomes 'ao processo', then you MUST use the crase 'à' with 'metodologia'.

⚠️

Avoid Overuse

Don't use this phrase more than once in a short paragraph. It's a heavy connector and can make your text feel 'clogged'.

In 15 Seconds

  • High-level way to say 'regarding the methodology'.
  • Used mainly in professional, academic, or legal contexts.
  • Requires the 'crase' (à) when followed by 'metodologia'.
  • Signals a shift to technical or process-oriented details.

What It Means

Have you ever been in a corporate Zoom meeting and felt the sudden urge to sound like you have three PhDs? Maybe you're writing a LinkedIn post and 'about' just feels too... basic. Enter no tocante à metodologia. This phrase is your secret weapon for sounding professional, precise, and perhaps a little bit fancy.

What It Means

At its core, this phrase is a formal transition. The key part is no tocante a, which literally means 'in what touches upon.' When you add metodologia, you're saying 'regarding the methodology' or 'as far as the method is concerned.' It’s like pointing a spotlight at the engine of a car instead of just looking at the paint job. It’s about the *how*, not just the *what*. It carries a vibe of authority. If you use this, people assume you've actually read the 50-page manual. Or at least, you want them to think you did. It’s a very specific way to narrow down the focus of a discussion.

How To Use It

Using this phrase requires a bit of grammar gymnastics. The core expression is no tocante a. Since metodologia is a feminine word (a metodologia), the a from the expression and the a from the noun merge into à with a backtick (called a *crase*). If you were talking about a masculine word like processo, it would become no tocante ao processo. Always place it at the beginning of a sentence or after a comma to introduce a new thought. It’s like a signpost that says, 'Hey, look over here at the rules we're following!' Don't use it for every sentence, or you'll sound like a 19th-century lawyer. Use it sparingly for maximum impact. Think of it as seasoning, not the main course. A little goes a long way in making your Portuguese sound sophisticated.

Formality & Register

This is a 'black-tie' phrase. You’ll find it in academic papers, legal documents, and high-level business reports. It’s definitely not something you’d say while grabbing a beer with friends. If you use it at a BBQ, your friends might ask if you’ve been hanging out with too many professors. It belongs in the world of formal emails, LinkedIn articles, and presentations. It’s designed to impress and clarify. In the world of Brazilian 'juridiquês' (legal-speak), this is a classic. It shows that you respect the formal structure of the language. It’s the opposite of slang. It’s structured, predictable, and very safe for professional environments. Just don't wear your metaphoric tuxedo to the beach!

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you're a YouTuber explaining your editing process. You might say, No tocante à metodologia de edição, eu prefiro usar o Premiere. This sounds way more professional than just saying 'I like Premiere.' Or think about a fitness influencer talking about their routine. They could write a caption like, No tocante à metodologia de treino, a constância é tudo. It adds a layer of 'expert' vibe to the content. You'll also see this in news reports. A journalist might say, No tocante à metodologia da pesquisa, os dados foram coletados por telefone. It’s the gold standard for explaining how information was gathered. Even on TikTok, if someone is doing a 'serious' breakdown of a trend, they might throw this in for a bit of ironic gravitas.

When To Use It

You should use this when you need to be precise. If you're in a job interview and they ask how you handle tasks, start with this. It shows you have a structured mind. Use it in a Master’s thesis or a formal essay for school. It’s also great for professional emails when you need to address a specific part of a contract or a project plan. If you’re a developer talking about a 'Scrum' or 'Agile' approach, this phrase fits perfectly. It helps you pivot from 'we are working' to 'this is *how* we are working.' Use it when the 'process' is the most important thing you need to talk about.

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase in casual settings at all costs. Don't tell your Uber driver, No tocante à metodologia de rota, prefiro a Avenida Paulista. He will think you’re weird. Don't use it in a romantic text message unless you're trying to be funny. No tocante à metodologia do nosso encontro, sugiro pizza. This is a great way to make sure there isn't a second date! Also, avoid using it if you don't actually know the methodology you're talking about. It invites follow-up questions. If you use a big phrase, people expect a big explanation. It’s not a magic word to hide a lack of knowledge. It’s a tool for clarity, not confusion.

Common Mistakes

The most frequent error is forgetting the *crase*. Many people write no tocante a metodologia without the accent, which is technically wrong because you need to combine the preposition and the article. Another mistake is using the wrong preposition.

No tocante de metodologia No tocante à metodologia
No tocante para a metodologia No tocante à metodologia
No tocante com a metodologia No tocante à metodologia

Sometimes people also use it when they just mean 'about' in a general sense. Remember, this is specifically for *methods* and *processes*. If you're talking about a person or a feeling, use em relação a or sobre instead. Using it incorrectly makes you look like you're trying too hard to sound smart.

Common Variations

If no tocante à feels a bit too stuffy, you have options. No que tange à is a very close sibling—it’s just as formal and means almost the same thing. For something a bit more modern, you could use Em relação à. If you want to be more direct, Quanto à works wonders. In casual speech, most people just say Sobre a. If you’re in Portugal, you might hear Pelo que toca à, which has a slightly different ring to it but serves the same purpose. All of these help you navigate the 'regarding' space. Just pick the one that fits the 'outfit' your conversation is wearing. No tocante à is definitely the three-piece suit of the group.

Real Conversations

M

Manager

O projeto está atrasado. O que houve?
E

Employee

No tocante à metodologia de produção, tivemos um gargalo no design.
M

Manager

Entendo. Precisamos revisar o processo então.

Student A: Você já terminou o relatório da faculdade?

Student B: Quase. No tocante à metodologia, ainda preciso citar os autores.

Student A: Essa é a parte mais chata, boa sorte!

LinkedIn Post: No tocante à metodologia de gestão remota, acredito que a confiança é a base de tudo. #HomeOffice #Liderança

Quick FAQ

Is it too formal for an email? Not if it's to a client or a director. It shows respect and professionalism. Can I use it with masculine words? Yes, just change it to no tocante ao. For example, no tocante ao sistema. Does it sound old-fashioned? A little, but in a 'classic' way. It’s like a vintage watch—it never really goes out of style in the right context. Should I use it in every paragraph? Definitely not. Save it for the most important transition in your text. If you overdo it, your writing will become heavy and hard to read. Use it once or twice to set the tone, then stick to simpler transitions like além disso or por outro lado.

Usage Notes

This is a 'C-Suite' level phrase. Use it when you want to establish authority or precision in formal Portuguese. Remember: always check for the 'crase' (à) when using it with feminine words like 'metodologia'.

🎯

The Crase Shortcut

If you can swap 'metodologia' for a masculine word like 'processo' and it becomes 'ao processo', then you MUST use the crase 'à' with 'metodologia'.

⚠️

Avoid Overuse

Don't use this phrase more than once in a short paragraph. It's a heavy connector and can make your text feel 'clogged'.

Examples

10
#1 In a formal business report

No tocante à metodologia de vendas, observamos um crescimento de 10%.

Regarding the sales methodology, we observed a 10% growth.

Sets a professional tone for data analysis.

#2 Texting a friend about a date (ironic)

No tocante à metodologia do encontro, acho que a pizza foi a escolha certa.

Regarding the methodology of our date, I think the pizza was the right choice.

Using a very formal phrase in a casual setting creates a humorous effect.

#3 Writing a university thesis

No tocante à metodologia aplicada, utilizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa.

Regarding the applied methodology, a qualitative approach was used.

Standard academic phrasing for research papers.

#4 A LinkedIn post about remote work

No tocante à metodologia de gestão, a transparência é fundamental.

Regarding the management methodology, transparency is fundamental.

Used to establish authority on a professional platform.

#5 Explaining a game strategy to a team

No tocante à metodologia de ataque, vamos focar no flanco esquerdo.

Regarding the attack methodology, we're going to focus on the left flank.

Adds a serious, tactical vibe to gaming communication.

Common mistake example Common Mistake

✗ No tocante de metodologia → ✓ No tocante à metodologia

Incorrect preposition use.

Never use 'de' with this phrase; it always requires 'a' or 'à'.

#7 Explaining a cooking process on Instagram

No tocante à metodologia do risoto, o segredo é o caldo quente.

Regarding the risotto methodology, the secret is the hot broth.

A bit 'extra' for a recipe, but sounds like a pro chef.

Another common mistake example Common Mistake

✗ No tocante a metodologia → ✓ No tocante à metodologia

Missing the accent (crase).

Forgetting the backtick is a very common spelling error in formal writing.

#9 A serious conversation about life goals

No tocante à metodologia para atingir meus sonhos, estou sendo mais rigoroso.

Regarding the methodology for reaching my dreams, I'm being more rigorous.

Adds weight and seriousness to personal ambitions.

#10 In a Zoom meeting answering a boss

No tocante à metodologia do projeto, estamos seguindo o cronograma.

Regarding the project methodology, we are following the schedule.

Perfect for high-stakes office communication.

Test Yourself

Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta (a, à, ao, às).

No tocante ____ metodologia de ensino, a escola é inovadora.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: à

'Metodologia' é feminino singular, exigindo a crase (a + a).

Qual frase é mais apropriada para um relatório científico?

Escolha a opção mais formal:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No tocante à metodologia, os dados foram validados.

Esta opção usa a locução prepositiva formal e o particípio passado, adequados ao registro científico.

Combine a frase com o contexto correto.

Frase: 'No tocante à metodologia, o projeto segue o cronograma.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Um e-mail para um cliente corporativo.

O tom é profissional e focado em processos, ideal para o ambiente corporativo.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Preencha a lacuna com a forma correta (a, à, ao, às). Fill Blank B2

No tocante ____ metodologia de ensino, a escola é inovadora.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: à

'Metodologia' é feminino singular, exigindo a crase (a + a).

Qual frase é mais apropriada para um relatório científico? Choose B2

Escolha a opção mais formal:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: No tocante à metodologia, os dados foram validados.

Esta opção usa a locução prepositiva formal e o particípio passado, adequados ao registro científico.

Combine a frase com o contexto correto. situation_matching B1

Frase: 'No tocante à metodologia, o projeto segue o cronograma.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Um e-mail para um cliente corporativo.

O tom é profissional e focado em processos, ideal para o ambiente corporativo.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

3 questions

No, you can use it for anything: 'No tocante à economia', 'No tocante à saúde'. However, it is very frequently paired with 'metodologia' in academic contexts.

It's called a 'crase'. It signals the fusion of the preposition 'a' (required by 'tocante') and the article 'a' (required by 'metodologia').

Yes! It makes you sound very professional and well-educated, especially in Brazil.

Related Phrases

🔄

No que tange a

synonym

Regarding / concerning

🔗

Quanto a

similar

As for / about

🔗

A respeito de

similar

With respect to

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!