B2 Expression Very Formal 7 min read

Tendo como base literatura

Regarding the literatura

Literally: Having as base literature

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to cite research as the foundation of an argument.
  • Highly formal; best for academic or professional writing.
  • Indicates you've researched the topic thoroughly.
  • Implies authority and intellectual preparation.

Meaning

This phrase is a sophisticated way to signal that your ideas aren't just random thoughts, but are grounded in existing research, books, or academic studies. It functions as an intellectual 'safety net,' showing you've done the heavy lifting of reading before forming an opinion.

Key Examples

3 of 10
1

Answering a question during a thesis defense

Tendo como base a literatura clássica, desenvolvi minha hipótese.

Based on classical literature, I developed my hypothesis.

2

Writing a formal report for a corporate board

Tendo como base a literatura de mercado, as projeções são otimistas.

Based on market literature, the projections are optimistic.

3

A LinkedIn post about leadership

Tendo como base a literatura sobre liderança, o feedback é essencial.

Based on leadership literature, feedback is essential.

🌍

Cultural Background

The phrase exists because of the deep-rooted 'Doutor Culture' in Lusophone societies, particularly in Brazil and Portugal. Historically, education was a primary marker of social class, and 'speaking well' using formal, structured Latinate phrases became a way to command respect and demonstrate status. This specific expression reflects the high value placed on academic credentials and the 'State of the Art' in professional environments. It emphasizes the collective intellectual tradition over individual 'gut feelings.'

🎯

The 'Doutor' Hack

Using this in a Brazilian job interview instantly signals that you are 'instruído' (educated). It's a small linguistic trick that commands immediate professional respect.

⚠️

Don't skip the 'A'

Saying 'Tendo como base literatura' (no article) sounds like a robotic abstract. Always add 'a' (Tendo como base **a** literatura) to sound like a human expert.

In 15 Seconds

  • Used to cite research as the foundation of an argument.
  • Highly formal; best for academic or professional writing.
  • Indicates you've researched the topic thoroughly.
  • Implies authority and intellectual preparation.

What It Means

Think of this phrase as the linguistic equivalent of wearing a sharp suit to a job interview. When you say tendo como base literatura, you are telling your audience that you aren't just 'vibing' or guessing. You are anchoring your argument to a foundation of established knowledge. In Portuguese, the word literatura here doesn't just mean novels or poetry; it refers to the 'state of the art' or the collection of academic work on a specific topic. It’s like saying, "The experts agree with me, and here is the proof." It’s a bit like citing your sources in a conversation without sounding like a bibliography robot. It carries a vibe of authority, preparation, and respect for the intellectual tradition. If phrases had jobs, this one would be a Senior Research Fellow with very expensive glasses.

How To Use It

Using this phrase is easier than it looks, but it requires a bit of structural grace. Usually, it appears at the start of a sentence to set the stage for what’s coming next. For example, Tendo como base literatura recente, podemos afirmar que... (Based on recent literature, we can state that...). You can also tuck it into the middle of a sentence to justify a specific point. One thing to watch out for: while the user provided tendo como base literatura, in 99% of natural conversations, you’ll want to add the article a to make it tendo como base a literatura. Dropping the a is a very specific 'telegraphic' style found in academic abstracts or fast-paced professional notes. It’s like the difference between saying "Based on the facts" and "Based on facts"—one feels complete, the other feels like a bullet point. Also, remember that tendo comes from the verb ter (to have), so you are literally 'having' the literature as your base. It’s a very active way to claim your knowledge.

Formality & Register

This is a 'high-tier' phrase. You are firmly in the territory of formal and very formal registers here. You would use this in a university thesis, a scientific article, a high-stakes business proposal, or a very serious LinkedIn post where you’re trying to impress recruiters. You definitely do NOT want to use this while ordering a burger or telling your friend about a bad date—unless you’re being incredibly sarcastic. "Based on the literature of my past relationships, this date will be a disaster." (Okay, that’s actually a pretty good joke, but use it sparingly!). In the world of Brazilian or Portuguese academia, using phrases like this is part of the 'social dance' of proving you belong in the room. It’s a badge of education. Use it when you want to be taken seriously, but maybe stick to eu li que... (I read that...) when you're just chatting over coffee.

Real-Life Examples

You’ll mostly encounter this in the 'wild' on professional platforms. Imagine you’re scrolling through LinkedIn and a consultant writes: Tendo como base literatura sobre gestão, propomos um novo modelo... (Based on management literature, we propose a new model...). Or, picture a news segment where an expert is interviewed about climate change; they might start their explanation with this phrase to give themselves instant credibility. You’ll also see it in the 'Introduction' or 'Methodology' sections of almost every master's thesis in Portugal or Brazil. It’s the bread and butter of people who spend more time in libraries than in the sun. If you’re watching a serious documentary on Netflix with Portuguese subtitles, keep your ears peeled for it during the expert interviews. It’s the ultimate 'I am an expert' signal.

When To Use It

Use this phrase when the stakes are high. If you are defending a project at work and someone asks, "Why do you think this strategy will work?", slamming down a tendo como base literatura da área is like dropping a mic. It shows you didn't just wake up with the idea; you researched it. It’s also perfect for writing formal emails to professors or when you’re contributing to a professional forum. If you’re a student, use it in your essays to make your teacher think you’ve read more than the Wikipedia summary. It’s also great for travel vloggers who want to add a bit of 'educational value' to their videos: "Based on the historical literature of this castle, it was built in..."

When NOT To Use It

Avoid this phrase in any situation involving flip-flops or pajamas. If you’re at a bar with friends and you say, tendo como base literatura, they will probably ask if you’ve swallowed a dictionary. It’s too heavy for casual settings. Also, don't use it if you haven't actually read anything. If someone follows up with, "Oh, which literature?", and you freeze like a deer in headlights, the phrase will backfire. It’s a promise of knowledge, so make sure you can keep it! Finally, don't use it in quick text messages like WhatsApp unless you're being intentionally funny or pretentious with a close friend. Tendo como base literatura culinária, o miojo fica melhor com requeijão. (Based on culinary literature, instant noodles are better with cream cheese.)—See? It’s funny because it’s too formal for the topic.

Common Mistakes

The most frequent stumble for learners is getting the prepositions wrong. People often try to say tendo base em or com base de, but the standard construction is tendo como base. Another big one is the 'missing article' issue we mentioned.

Tendo base literatura Tendo como base a literatura
Fazendo como base literatura Tendo como base a literatura
Tendo como base de literatura Tendo como base a literatura

Another mistake is using literatura when you actually mean a specific book. If you only read one book, say tendo como base o livro de [Autor]. Literatura implies a broader body of work. Don't be the person who calls a single blog post 'literature'—the academic gods will frown upon you.

Common Variations

If tendo como base literatura feels a bit too clunky, you have options. Baseado na literatura is a very common and slightly more direct alternative. It’s like the younger, more energetic cousin. If you want to sound even more 'lawyer-like,' you could use À luz da literatura (In light of the literature), which sounds very poetic and smart. For a more neutral tone, try Segundo a literatura (According to the literature). This is the safest bet if you're worried about sounding too 'extra.' In Brazil, you might hear Com base na bibliografia, which specifically points to the list of books at the end of a paper. Each of these changes the flavor slightly, but they all serve the same purpose: giving credit to the authors who came before you.

Real Conversations

Speaker A: Por que você escolheu essa metodologia para o projeto?

Speaker B: Tendo como base a literatura recente sobre agilidade, percebi que esse é o caminho mais eficiente.

Speaker A: Interessante. Você citou o artigo do Silva?

Speaker B: Sim, exatamente. Ele é a minha principal referência.

Speaker A: Cara, por que você está lendo três livros sobre café?

Speaker B: Tendo como base a literatura cafeeira, eu descobri que estamos fazendo o expresso errado todo esse tempo!

Speaker A: Você é muito nerd, sabia?

Speaker B: É, mas meu café vai ser o melhor da rua.

Quick FAQ

Is literatura just fiction? No! In this context, it refers to all the scientific papers, books, and articles written on a specific subject. It's 'the literature' of a field. Is it okay to use this in a job interview? Yes, absolutely! It shows you are methodical and research-oriented. Is there a shorter way to say this? Yes, Segundo os livros is simpler, but it lacks the professional 'oomph' of the original phrase. Can I use it in Brazil and Portugal? Yes, it's perfectly understood and used in both countries, though the academic 'accent' might vary slightly. Does it require a comma? Usually, yes, if it's at the start of the sentence. It acts as an introductory phrase, so give it some breathing room with a comma.

Usage Notes

This phrase is a powerhouse for B2 learners aiming for professional or academic fluency. It sits in the 'very formal' bucket, so avoid it in casual chats unless you're joking. Remember to include the article 'a' for a more natural, human touch.

🎯

The 'Doutor' Hack

Using this in a Brazilian job interview instantly signals that you are 'instruído' (educated). It's a small linguistic trick that commands immediate professional respect.

⚠️

Don't skip the 'A'

Saying 'Tendo como base literatura' (no article) sounds like a robotic abstract. Always add 'a' (Tendo como base **a** literatura) to sound like a human expert.

💬

Literature isn't just Shakespeare

In Portuguese academic culture, 'literatura' is almost always a synonym for 'existing peer-reviewed research'. Don't use it to talk about your favorite beach novel!

💡

Comma usage

If you start your sentence with this phrase, always put a comma after it. It's like taking a breath before you deliver your big, smart idea.

Examples

10
#1 Answering a question during a thesis defense

Tendo como base a literatura clássica, desenvolvi minha hipótese.

Based on classical literature, I developed my hypothesis.

Here, the speaker uses the phrase to show their academic rigor.

#2 Writing a formal report for a corporate board

Tendo como base a literatura de mercado, as projeções são otimistas.

Based on market literature, the projections are optimistic.

In a business context, 'market literature' refers to industry reports.

#3 A LinkedIn post about leadership

Tendo como base a literatura sobre liderança, o feedback é essencial.

Based on leadership literature, feedback is essential.

Used to give authority to a social media professional tip.

Correcting a common grammatical mistake Common Mistake

✗ Tendo base literatura → ✓ Tendo como base a literatura.

✗ Having base literature → ✓ Having as base the literature.

Shows the importance of the preposition 'como' and the article 'a'.

#5 Explaining a cooking technique to a foody friend

Tendo como base a literatura gastronômica, o sal deve ser adicionado agora.

Based on gastronomic literature, salt should be added now.

Using a very formal phrase for a simple task for humorous effect.

#6 A doctor explaining a treatment to a patient

Tendo como base a literatura médica atual, este é o melhor tratamento.

Based on current medical literature, this is the best treatment.

Builds trust by showing the doctor follows updated research.

#7 A student struggling with an essay

Tendo como base a literatura, é difícil chegar a uma conclusão única.

Based on the literature, it is difficult to reach a single conclusion.

Shows the complexity of research where authors disagree.

A text message to a classmate Common Mistake

✗ Eu fiz o trabalho fazendo base literatura. → ✓ Eu fiz o trabalho tendo como base a literatura.

✗ I did the work making base literature. → ✓ I did the work based on the literature.

Corrects the verb from 'fazer' (to make) to 'ter' (to have).

#9 Presenting at an international conference

Tendo como base a literatura sociológica, analisamos o comportamento urbano.

Based on sociological literature, we analyzed urban behavior.

Standard opening for a scientific presentation.

#10 Answering a skeptical colleague

Tendo como base a literatura da área, meus dados estão corretos.

Based on the literature in the field, my data is correct.

Defending one's work using external validation.

Test Yourself

Fill in the blank to complete the formal phrase.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tendo

The standard phrase uses the verb 'ter' in its gerund form 'tendo'.

Find and fix the error in the sentence.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer:

The phrase requires 'como' as a connector and 'a' as the article for 'literatura'.

Choose the correct option

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in an academic context?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tendo como base a literatura, verificamos a eficácia do fármaco.

This option uses the correct verb, prepositions, and article, matching the formal tone required.

🎉 Score: /3

Visual Learning Aids

From Gossip to Science: Formality Levels

Informal

Gossip or quick chats

Vi no zap que...

Neutral

Conversations with colleagues

Baseado no que eu li...

Formal

Business reports

Segundo a literatura...

Very Formal

Thesis / Scientific papers

Tendo como base a literatura...

Where to drop this 'Knowledge Bomb'

Tendo como base literatura
🎓

Thesis Defense

Defending your methods

👔

LinkedIn Article

Showing industry expertise

🩺

Medical Consult

Doctor explaining research

🎙️

Formal Debate

Refuting an opponent

📝

Academic Journal

Writing an abstract

Citing Sources in Portuguese

Phrase
Tendo como base a literatura Based on the body of research
Segundo o autor According to the author
Li num livro I read in a book
When to use
Research summary
Specific citation
Casual story

Variations of 'Literature'

🔬

Scientific

  • Literatura científica
  • Literatura médica
  • Literatura técnica
🎨

Humanities

  • Literatura clássica
  • Literatura sociológica
  • Literatura histórica
📊

Business

  • Literatura de gestão
  • Literatura cinzenta
  • Literatura econômica

Practice Bank

3 exercises
Fill in the blank to complete the formal phrase. Fill Blank beginner

___ como base a literatura, o projeto foi aprovado.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tendo

The standard phrase uses the verb 'ter' in its gerund form 'tendo'.

Find and fix the error in the sentence. Error Fix intermediate

Find and fix the mistake:

Tendo base de literatura, o autor argumenta bem.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tendo como base a literatura, o autor argumenta bem.

The phrase requires 'como' as a connector and 'a' as the article for 'literatura'.

Choose the correct option Choose advanced

Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in an academic context?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Tendo como base a literatura, verificamos a eficácia do fármaco.

This option uses the correct verb, prepositions, and article, matching the formal tone required.

🎉 Score: /3

Frequently Asked Questions

18 questions

In this specific context, 'literatura' refers to the body of academic, scientific, or professional work published on a topic. It is not limited to fiction or poetry, but rather represents the 'state of the art' of knowledge in a particular field of study or industry.

Yes, it is widely used in both countries, especially in academic and formal professional circles. While the accent and some surrounding vocabulary might change, the core structure of the phrase remains a standard indicator of research-based authority in the entire Lusophone world.

You should generally avoid it unless you are trying to be funny or sarcastic. It is a very formal expression that can make you sound pretentious if used while grabbing a beer or talking about a TV show, so stick to simpler terms like 'Eu li que...' for friends.

The most common error is forgetting the preposition 'como' or the definite article 'a'. Many learners say 'Tendo base em' or 'Tendo base literatura,' which sounds incomplete or grammatically 'broken' to a native speaker's ear. Always aim for 'Tendo como base a literatura' for the most natural sound.

While 'com base na literatura' is also correct and common, 'tendo como base' is slightly more active and formal. It emphasizes the process of 'having' or 'possessing' that foundation of knowledge as you speak, which adds an extra layer of confidence to your argument or statement.

No, it is an introductory phrase or a subordinate clause. It needs to be followed by a main clause that explains what you are concluding or doing based on that literature, such as 'Tendo como base a literatura, propomos uma nova solução para o problema.'

Yes, you can say 'Tendo como base os fatos,' but the meaning changes slightly. While 'literatura' implies you've read books and studies, 'fatos' refers to raw data or events that happened. Both are formal and useful, but they point to different types of evidence.

Not at all! It sounds professional and highly relevant. It is used every day in modern universities, high-tech research centers, and corporate boardrooms across Brazil and Portugal to ensure that decisions are being made based on evidence rather than just intuition or guesswork.

They are very similar, but 'Tendo como base' is a notch higher on the formality scale. 'Baseado em' is more common in everyday professional talk, whereas 'Tendo como base' is the 'gold standard' for academic writing and formal presentations where you want to show maximum rigor.

In Brazil, the 'e' is usually a closed sound like in 'hay' but shorter, and the 'o' at the end often sounds like a soft 'u'. In Portugal, the vowels are more closed and clipped. In both cases, ensure the 'n' is nasal, as is common in many Portuguese words ending in '-endo'.

You could, but it might sound a bit ironic. If you say 'Tendo como base a literatura do TikTok,' people will know you're being humorous because 'literature' and 'TikTok' are on opposite ends of the formality spectrum. It's a great way to make a joke about over-analyzing trends!

As discussed, 'Tendo como base a literatura' is the grammatically complete version. The version without 'a' is usually only seen in shortened academic abstracts or very technical bullet points where every word counts. For speaking or writing letters, always use the article 'a'.

It's better to be specific if you only have one source. You could say 'Tendo como base a obra de [Autor]' or 'Tendo como base o livro...'. Using 'literatura' implies you have looked at the general field of study, not just a single individual's opinion or one specific book.

Yes, extremely! The CELPE-Bras (the Brazilian proficiency exam) looks for 'marcas de formalidade' and the ability to structure arguments. Using this phrase in the writing or speaking portions will definitely help you score higher in the 'adequação de registro' category.

That's exactly what it's for! It transforms a personal opinion into a 'grounded conclusion.' Instead of saying 'I think this,' you are saying 'Because of the research I've done (the literature), this is the most logical conclusion.' It makes you much more persuasive.

Absolutely. Lawyers and judges often use it to ground their arguments in legal theory or previous jurisprudence (which they also call 'literatura jurídica'). It's a staple of the legal profession in all Portuguese-speaking countries because of its precision and weight.

This is a fun technical term! 'Literatura cinzenta' (grey literature) refers to documents like government reports, working papers, or internal company memos that aren't published in traditional books or journals. You can use 'Tendo como base a literatura cinzenta' in very specific professional contexts.

Only if you change the sentence structure. For example, 'Se eu tiver como base a literatura...' (If I have the literature as a base...). However, the most common 'frozen' expression that people use to introduce an idea is almost always in the gerund form 'Tendo'.

Related Phrases

🔄

Baseado na literatura

synonym

Based on the literature

This is a slightly more direct and common version used in both formal and neutral settings.

👔

Segundo a bibliografia

formal version

According to the bibliography

It specifically points to the list of works cited at the end of a paper or project.

👔

À luz da literatura

formal version

In light of the literature

A very elegant variation used to suggest that research is 'illuminating' the current problem or topic.

🔗

Conforme os estudos

related topic

According to the studies

Focuses specifically on scientific or academic 'studies' rather than the broader category of 'literature'.

😊

Li num livro que

informal version

I read in a book that

The casual way to express the same idea when talking to friends or family without the academic weight.

🔗

Apoiado em evidências

related topic

Supported by evidence

Shift the focus from 'reading' to the 'empirical evidence' found within that reading material.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

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