B2 Expression Formal 5 min read

Tendo como base discussão

Regarding the discussão

Literally: Having as base [the] discussion

In 15 Seconds

  • Logical bridge connecting past talk to new actions.
  • Ideal for professional meetings and academic writing.
  • Shows you were actively listening to others.
  • Universal in both Brazilian and European Portuguese.

Meaning

This phrase acts as a logical bridge, connecting a previous conversation to a new conclusion or action. It essentially means 'Using the discussion we just had as our starting point' to ensure everyone knows your next point isn't just coming out of thin air. It carries a vibe of being organized, attentive, and respectful of what others have already contributed.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

In a corporate Zoom meeting

Tendo como base a discussão, vamos revisar o cronograma do projeto.

Based on the discussion, we are going to revise the project schedule.

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2

Texting a group of friends about a trip

Tendo como base a discussão aqui no WhatsApp, reservei o Airbnb em Florianópolis.

Based on the discussion here on WhatsApp, I booked the Airbnb in Florianópolis.

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3

In a formal academic essay

Tendo como base a discussão teórica anterior, conclui-se que o modelo é falho.

Based on the previous theoretical discussion, it is concluded that the model is flawed.

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🌍

Cultural Background

In Brazilian corporate culture, this phrase is used to avoid 'melindres' (hurting feelings). By saying the decision is based on the discussion, you share the responsibility with everyone who spoke. Portuguese speakers in Portugal may prefer 'Tendo por base'. It sounds slightly more traditional and is very common in legal and administrative documents. In formal African Portuguese contexts, this phrase is highly valued as it demonstrates a high level of education and respect for the hierarchy of the conversation. In universities across the Lusophone world, this phrase is a staple of 'academic politeness,' allowing a researcher to build on the work of others before introducing their own critique.

🎯

The 'A' is Key

Always remember the article 'a' before 'discussão' in writing. It's the mark of a B2+ learner.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this phrase three times in one meeting, you'll sound like a corporate manual. Mix it up with 'Como falamos' or 'Seguindo essa linha'.

In 15 Seconds

  • Logical bridge connecting past talk to new actions.
  • Ideal for professional meetings and academic writing.
  • Shows you were actively listening to others.
  • Universal in both Brazilian and European Portuguese.

What It Means

Ever felt like your ideas need a solid foundation before you drop them in a meeting? That is exactly what tendo como base a discussão does for you. It tells your listeners that you weren't just daydreaming while they talked. You heard them, you processed it, and now you are building something on top of that shared foundation. It is less about 'according to' and more about 'leveraging the energy' of the talk. Think of it as the linguistic version of a LEGO baseplate. Everything you say next is going to click right into what was just said.

How To Use It

You will usually find this at the very beginning of a sentence. It sets the stage for a proposal, a summary, or a tough decision. In a professional email, it looks incredibly polished. In a WhatsApp group with friends, it might feel a bit fancy, but it works if you are trying to settle a long debate about where to eat. You use it to transition from 'talking' to 'doing.' It’s like saying, 'Okay, we’ve chewed on this enough, here is the result.' Just remember to add the article a before discussão in most cases to keep it natural.

Formality & Register

This expression sits comfortably in the neutral-to-formal range. It is the 'business casual' of Portuguese phrases. You can wear it to a boardroom meeting without sounding like a robot. You can also use it in a university essay to show your professor you are analyzing the sources correctly. Is it too stiff for a first date? Probably, unless you are both debating the merits of different coffee beans. On LinkedIn or in a Slack channel, it makes you sound like a leader who actually listens. It’s polite but firm, like a well-tailored suit.

Real-Life Examples

Imagine you are on a Zoom call that has been going in circles for forty minutes. You jump in with: Tendo como base a discussão, sugiro que adiemos o lançamento. Everyone breathes a sigh of relief because you just grounded the chaos. Or maybe you are a travel vlogger summarizing your fans' comments. Tendo como base a discussão nos comentários, vou visitar o Porto amanhã! It shows you are engaged with your community. Even in a simple text to a roommate about bills, it adds a layer of 'let’s be adults about this' that avoids unnecessary drama.

When To Use It

Reach for this phrase when you need to justify a choice using group consensus. It is perfect for project managers, teachers, or anyone who needs to summarize a brainstorm. Use it when you want to sound objective and analytical. It is also great when you want to move a conversation forward without ignoring what someone else just said. It’s the ultimate 'yes, and' tool for the corporate world. If you are writing a report on market trends, this phrase is your best friend for connecting data to strategy.

When NOT To Use It

Don't use this if there hasn't actually been a discussion. That would just be confusing, like showing up to a party you weren't invited to. Avoid it in high-intensity emotional situations, like a heated argument with a partner. Saying Tendo como base a nossa discussão... during a breakup might make you sound like a HR department firing them. Also, avoid it in extremely slang-heavy environments. If you are at a skate park or a rave, use something simpler like pelo que a gente falou instead. Keep it for when you need a bit of intellectual weight.

Common Mistakes

Tendo base discussão Tendo como base a discussão (Don't skip the como or the article).
Fazendo base na discussão Tendo como base a discussão (We 'have' the base, we don't 'make' it).
Tendo como base de discussão Tendo como base a discussão (Using de changes the meaning to 'the foundation of the talk' rather than using the talk as a foundation).

It’s a common trip-up for learners who try to translate 'based on' literally as baseado em. While baseado em is fine, tendo como base sounds much more sophisticated and active in a professional setting.

Common Variations

If you want to vary your vocabulary, you can try Com base na discussão. It is slightly shorter and equally common. Another version is Partindo da nossa discussão, which feels more like a journey or a progression. If you are in a very formal legal or academic setting, you might hear Pautado na discussão. For something a bit more casual but still structured, try Levando em conta o que discutimos. Each of these has a slightly different 'flavor,' but they all serve that same purpose of connecting the dots between talk and action.

Real Conversations

B

Boss

Não sabemos se o orçamento será suficiente para o marketing este ano.
E

Employee

Tendo como base a discussão, acho que devemos focar apenas no tráfego pago.

Friend A: Todo mundo quer ir à praia, mas a previsão é de chuva forte.

Friend B: Tendo como base a discussão no grupo, é melhor alugarmos uma casa com piscina.

S

Student

Professor, por que minha nota foi baixa no trabalho em grupo?
P

Professor

Tendo como base a discussão em sala, faltou profundidade na sua análise crítica.

Quick FAQ

Is this used in Brazil and Portugal? Yes, it is universal across the Lusophone world. Is it too formal for WhatsApp? Not if you are discussing something serious like a trip or a project. Does it require a comma after? Usually, yes, since it's an introductory phrase. Can I use it with other words? Absolutely! You can say tendo como base o relatório (the report) or tendo como base os fatos (the facts). It is a very flexible structure once you master the core rhythm of it.

Usage Notes

Use this phrase to sound like a natural leader in professional settings. It bridges the gap between group input and your personal proposal. Be careful not to sound too clinical in casual social settings, where 'pelo que falamos' is usually a better fit.

🎯

The 'A' is Key

Always remember the article 'a' before 'discussão' in writing. It's the mark of a B2+ learner.

⚠️

Don't Overuse

If you use this phrase three times in one meeting, you'll sound like a corporate manual. Mix it up with 'Como falamos' or 'Seguindo essa linha'.

💬

Wait for the Pause

This phrase is most effective after a period of silence or at the end of a topic block.

Examples

10
#1 In a corporate Zoom meeting
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Tendo como base a discussão, vamos revisar o cronograma do projeto.

Based on the discussion, we are going to revise the project schedule.

Used here to pivot from a debate to a concrete action plan.

#2 Texting a group of friends about a trip
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Tendo como base a discussão aqui no WhatsApp, reservei o Airbnb em Florianópolis.

Based on the discussion here on WhatsApp, I booked the Airbnb in Florianópolis.

Shows the speaker took the group's consensus seriously before acting.

#3 In a formal academic essay
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Tendo como base a discussão teórica anterior, conclui-se que o modelo é falho.

Based on the previous theoretical discussion, it is concluded that the model is flawed.

A classic way to introduce a conclusion in scholarly writing.

#4 Instagram caption for a poll result
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Tendo como base a discussão nos Stories, o próximo vídeo será sobre gramática!

Based on the discussion in the Stories, the next video will be about grammar!

Modern usage showing engagement with social media followers.

#5 A teacher talking to a class
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Tendo como base a discussão de hoje, a tarefa de casa será opcional.

Based on today's discussion, the homework will be optional.

A very popular sentence for students to hear!

#6 Job interview on Zoom
<svg class="w-5 h-5" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" viewBox="0 0 24 24" aria-hidden="true"><path stroke-linecap="round" stroke-linejoin="round" stroke-width="2" d="M21 13.255A23.931 23.931 0 0112 15c-3.183 0-6.22-.62-9-1.745M16 6V4a2 2 0 00-2-2h-4a2 2 0 00-2 2v2m4 6h.01M5 20h14a2 2 0 002-2V8a2 2 0 00-2-2H5a2 2 0 00-2 2v10a2 2 0 002 2z"/></svg>

Tendo como base a discussão sobre os valores da empresa, vejo que sou o candidato ideal.

Based on the discussion about the company values, I see that I am the ideal candidate.

Shows high-level processing and confidence.

#7 A slightly awkward breakup
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Tendo como base a nossa discussão de ontem, acho melhor terminarmos.

Based on our discussion yesterday, I think it's better if we break up.

A bit clinical, but very clear and definitive.

Correcting a common grammar error Common Mistake
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✗ Tendo base na discussão, mudei de ideia. → ✓ Tendo como base a discussão, mudei de ideia.

Based on the discussion, I changed my mind.

Don't forget the 'como' and the article 'a'.

Correcting a preposition error Common Mistake
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✗ Tendo como base de discussão, o plano é este. → ✓ Tendo como base a discussão, o plano é este.

Based on the discussion, this is the plan.

Using 'de' is a common mistake for English speakers thinking of 'base of'.

#10 Humorous office scenario
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Tendo como base a discussão sobre quem roubou meu iogurte, declaro guerra à contabilidade.

Based on the discussion about who stole my yogurt, I declare war on the accounting department.

Using formal language for a trivial office drama.

Test Yourself

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase.

________ como base a discussão, decidimos adiar o evento.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tendo

The standard idiom uses the gerund of the verb 'ter' (tendo).

Which sentence is grammatically correct and formal?

Choose the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tendo como base a discussão, o plano mudou.

'Tendo como base' is followed by the definite article 'a' and the feminine noun 'discussão'.

Match the phrase to the most appropriate context.

Where would you most likely hear 'Tendo como base a discussão'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: In a formal board meeting.

The phrase is formal and consultative, typical of professional environments.

Complete the dialogue.

A: 'O que você achou dos argumentos do João?' B: 'Foram bons. ________, acho que devemos aceitar a proposta dele.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tendo como base a discussão

This logically connects the evaluation of the arguments to the final decision.

🎉 Score: /4

Visual Learning Aids

Practice Bank

4 exercises
Complete the sentence with the correct form of the phrase. Fill Blank B2

________ como base a discussão, decidimos adiar o evento.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tendo

The standard idiom uses the gerund of the verb 'ter' (tendo).

Which sentence is grammatically correct and formal? Choose B2

Choose the best option:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tendo como base a discussão, o plano mudou.

'Tendo como base' is followed by the definite article 'a' and the feminine noun 'discussão'.

Match the phrase to the most appropriate context. situation_matching B2

Where would you most likely hear 'Tendo como base a discussão'?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: In a formal board meeting.

The phrase is formal and consultative, typical of professional environments.

Complete the dialogue. dialogue_completion B2

A: 'O que você achou dos argumentos do João?' B: 'Foram bons. ________, acho que devemos aceitar a proposta dele.'

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tendo como base a discussão

This logically connects the evaluation of the arguments to the final decision.

🎉 Score: /4

Frequently Asked Questions

5 questions

Yes! 'Debate' is masculine, so just change the article to 'o'. It's a perfect synonym for 'discussão' in formal settings.

Yes, it is universally understood. However, Portugal often uses 'Tendo por base', while Brazil leans toward 'Tendo como base'.

It's a bit too formal. For WhatsApp, try 'Pelo que a gente falou' or 'Sobre o que a gente conversou'.

It's the gerund of 'ter' (to have). In this context, it means 'By having' or 'Since we have'.

Absolutely. 'Conversa' is slightly less formal than 'discussão', making it a great middle-ground option.

Related Phrases

🔗

Com base em

similar

Based on

🔗

À luz da discussão

similar

In light of the discussion

🔗

Independentemente da discussão

contrast

Regardless of the discussion

🔗

Em função da discussão

builds on

As a result of the discussion

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