Pivôs Formais: 'Seja como for' e Outros
diplomatic grace.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Formal pivots use the fossilized subjunctive to acknowledge a point while immediately introducing a contrasting or more important argument.
- Use the base verb form (subjunctive) without 's' even for third person: 'Be that as it may'.
- These are fixed idioms; you cannot change the words or the order: 'Come what may'.
- They usually function as sentence starters or transitions in highly formal contexts: 'Suffice it to say'.
Overview
Be that as it may, Notwithstanding e Albeit funcionam como conectores lógicos sofisticados. Eles substituem conjunções simples como but ou however por alternativas mais matizadas.- Fossilized Subjunctive Mood: A expressão
Be that as it mayé um exemplo clássico. É um resquício do presente do subjuntivo. O pensamento completo seria algo como 'Let the situation be as you say it is' (Que a situação seja como você diz). Em inglês moderno, tornou-se uma expressão adverbial fixa que sinaliza uma concessão. Em português, temos o subjuntivo presente ('seja como for'), mas em inglês, a estrutura é uma unidade lexical fixa que não permite variações de tempo ou pessoa.
- Absolute & Participial Constructions:
Having said thateThat being saidderivam de frases participiais.That being saidé um nominativo absoluto, uma construção que consiste em um substantivo/pronome e um particípio que modifica toda a oração principal. Para nós, brasileiros, isso equivale a construções como 'Dito isso' ou 'Posto isto'. São formas de reconhecer uma declaração anterior antes de mudar de assunto.
- Prepositional & Adverbial Functions:
Notwithstandingé versátil. Pode funcionar como preposição (significando 'apesar de'), exigindo um sintagma nominal após si, ou como advérbio (significando 'não obstante' ou 'ainda assim'), colocado após a oração. A diferença aqui é que, em português, 'não obstante' é frequentemente usado como conjunção, enquanto em inglês, o uso como preposição é muito mais comum e exige cuidado com a regência.
- Subordinating Conjunctions:
Albeité uma conjunção formal que significa 'embora'. A característica gramatical chave é que ela introduz uma oração reduzida ou um sintagma, não uma oração finita. Em português, usamos 'embora' com verbo conjugado ('embora ele seja...'), mas em inglês,albeitgeralmente conecta um adjetivo ou substantivo diretamente, sem um verbo conjugado. É uma forma de elegância sintática que, se mal usada, soa artificial.
Be that as it may | Adverbial | [Fato]. Be that as it may, [Contraponto]. | It is costly. Be that as it may, we need it. |That being said | Absoluto | [Fato]. That being said, [Contraponto]. | It is risky. That being said, we must act. |Notwithstanding | Preposição | Notwithstanding [NP], [Cláusula]. | Notwithstanding the delay, we finished. |Albeit | Conjunção | [Cláusula], albeit [Adjetivo/Sintagma]. | It was a success, albeit a small one. |- 1Escrita Acadêmica e Jurídica: Essencial para endereçar contra-argumentos. Você não diria apenas 'but'; você usaria
Notwithstanding the precedent...para demonstrar autoridade. - 2Ambiente Corporativo: Imagine que você está em uma reunião de diretoria ou em uma chamada de vídeo com clientes importantes. Dizer 'But that is wrong' soa agressivo. Dizer 'That being said, I have reservations about the feasibility' é diplomático e profissional.
- 3Debates e Apresentações: Servem como transições elegantes. Quando alguém apresenta um ponto contrário ao seu, usar
Granted, your point is valid, but...mostra que você é um debatedor sofisticado que ouviu o outro lado. - 4Qualificação Precisa:
Albeitpermite que você adicione um detalhe sem quebrar o fluxo da frase. É muito mais elegante do que usar um 'but' no meio de uma oração.
- 1O erro da oração completa com
Albeit: Em português, dizemos 'Embora o projeto seja caro, ele é bom'. O brasileiro tende a traduzir literalmente:Albeit the project is expensive, it is good. Errado!Albeitnão aceita orações com sujeito e verbo. O correto seriaThe project is good, albeit expensive. - 2Confundir
Notwithstandingcom conjunção: Muitos tentam usarNotwithstandingcomo se fosse 'Embora'. Exemplo:Notwithstanding the project was hard, we did it. Isso é um erro de regência. Como preposição, ele deve ser seguido de um substantivo:Notwithstanding the project's difficulty, we did it. - 3Uso excessivo em contextos informais: Brasileiros costumam ser calorosos. Tentar usar
Be that as it mayem um WhatsApp para um amigo soa pretensioso e estranho. A interferência ocorre porque, em português, o uso de 'não obstante' ou 'conquanto' em contextos informais é raro, mas o aluno C2 às vezes quer 'mostrar serviço' e acaba soando como um livro de gramática ambulante em situações onde um simples 'but' bastaria.
Albeit (conjunção reduzida) | 'Embora' aceita verbo conjugado; Albeit não. |Notwithstanding (preposição) | 'Apesar de' é comum; Notwithstanding é extremamente formal. |Having said that | Ambas são absolutas, mas a inglesa é mais rígida na pontuação. |- 1Qual a origem exata de
Be that as it may? É um fóssil do presente do subjuntivo. Em inglês antigo, o subjuntivo era muito mais comum. Hoje, essa frase é uma unidade fixa (idiom). Não tente alterar o verbo 'be' para 'is' ou 'was'.
- 1Posso usar
Notwithstandingno final da frase? Sim, como advérbio. 'The results were poor; we continued, notwithstanding.' É um uso extremamente sofisticado e literário.
- 1Qual a diferença entre
GrantedeAdmittedly? Ambos são usados para conceder um ponto.Grantedé mais usado para aceitar um fato antes de contra-argumentar (concessão lógica), enquantoAdmittedlyé usado para confessar algo que você reluta em aceitar (concessão emocional ou de opinião).
Fixed Subjunctive Forms (Non-Conjugating)
| Phrase | Verb Form | Subject | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Be that as it may
|
Base (Be)
|
That
|
Concession
|
|
Come what may
|
Base (Come)
|
What
|
Determination
|
|
So be it
|
Base (Be)
|
It
|
Acceptance
|
|
Suffice it to say
|
Base (Suffice)
|
It
|
Summary
|
|
Far be it from me
|
Base (Be)
|
It
|
Polite Disclaimer
|
|
Heaven forbid
|
Base (Forbid)
|
Heaven
|
Strong Hope/Fear
|
Meanings
A set of fossilized expressions using the subjunctive mood to express concession, acceptance, or determination regardless of circumstances.
Concession
Acknowledging a fact but stating it doesn't change the final conclusion.
“Be that as it may, the law remains the law.”
“The evidence is thin; be that as it may, the jury convicted him.”
Determination
Expressing that an action will happen regardless of future events.
“I will support you, come what may.”
“Come what may, we shall not retreat.”
Acceptance
Resigning oneself to a situation or decision.
“If the board decides to fire me, then so be it.”
“The terms are harsh, but if they are final, so be it.”
Limitation/Summary
Indicating that what is being said is enough to make the point without further detail.
“Suffice it to say, the meeting did not go well.”
“Suffice it to say that we are no longer on speaking terms.”
Reference Table
| Expressão | Função | Posição | Exemplo |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Be that as it may
|
Concessão e contraste
|
Início da frase
|
Be that as it may, we must proceed.
|
|
Having said that
|
Concessão, muda o foco
|
Início da frase/cláusula
|
It's true; having said that, consider this.
|
|
Notwithstanding
|
Apesar de, não obstante
|
Início ou fim da frase
|
Notwithstanding the rain, they won.
|
|
Albeit
|
Embora, mesmo que
|
Introduz cláusula de ressalva
|
He resigned, albeit reluctantly.
|
|
Granted
|
Admite um ponto
|
Início da frase
|
Granted, it's difficult, but essential.
|
|
For all that
|
Apesar do que foi dito
|
Início da frase/cláusula
|
He had flaws; for all that, he was kind.
|
Espectro de formalidade
Be that as it may, our policy remains unchanged. (A disagreement about rules)
Even so, we aren't changing the rules. (A disagreement about rules)
Anyway, I'm still doing it my way. (A disagreement about rules)
Whatever, I'm still doing it. (A disagreement about rules)
Pivôs Formais: Sua Caixa de Ferramentas C2
Expressões-Chave
- Be that as it may Concession, despite that
- Having said that Acknowledge, then contrast
- Notwithstanding Despite, in spite of
- Albeit Although, even though
Quando Usar
- Debates Conceding a point
- Relatórios Academic/Professional writing
- Reuniões Introducing qualifications
Pivôs: Formal vs. Casual
Escolhendo seu Pivô Formal
Você quer admitir um ponto antes de apresentar um contraste?
Está expressando 'apesar de' de forma muito formal?
Está introduzindo uma ressalva curta (embora)?
Funções dos Pivôs Formais
Concessão Direta
- • Be that as it may
- • Granted
Informação Contrastante
- • Having said that
- • For all that
Ressalva Qualificadora
- • Albeit
- • Notwithstanding
Exemplos por nível
It is raining. But I will go.
It is raining. But I will go.
I am tired. However, I must work.
I am tired. However, I must work.
The car is old. It still works.
The car is old. It still works.
Okay, let's do it.
Okay, let's do it.
So be it. We will go tomorrow.
So be it. We will go tomorrow.
I will help you, come what may.
I will help you, come what may.
It is expensive, but so be it.
It is expensive, but so be it.
Suffice it to say, I am happy.
Suffice it to say, I am happy.
The plan has risks; be that as it may, we must proceed.
The plan has risks; be that as it may, we must proceed.
Suffice it to say that the results were not what we expected.
Suffice it to say that the results were not what we expected.
If he wants to leave the team, then so be it.
If he wants to leave the team, then so be it.
I will finish this book, come what may.
I will finish this book, come what may.
Far be it from me to criticize, but your logic is flawed.
Far be it from me to criticize, but your logic is flawed.
The economy is struggling; be that as it may, we are hiring.
The economy is struggling; be that as it may, we are hiring.
Suffice it to say, the legal implications are quite complex.
Suffice it to say, the legal implications are quite complex.
We shall defend our principles, come what may.
We shall defend our principles, come what may.
Be that as it may, the ontological arguments remain unconvincing.
Be that as it may, the ontological arguments remain unconvincing.
Suffice it to say that the nuances of the treaty were lost in translation.
Suffice it to say that the nuances of the treaty were lost in translation.
If the court finds us liable for damages, so be it.
If the court finds us liable for damages, so be it.
Far be it from me to suggest that the CEO is misinformed.
Far be it from me to suggest that the CEO is misinformed.
The hypothesis is elegant; be that as it may, it lacks empirical verification.
The hypothesis is elegant; be that as it may, it lacks empirical verification.
Come what may, the integrity of the institution must be preserved.
Come what may, the integrity of the institution must be preserved.
Suffice it to say, the socio-political ramifications were profound.
Suffice it to say, the socio-political ramifications were profound.
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.
Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.
Fácil de confundir
Both show contrast, but 'Nevertheless' is a standard adverb, while 'Be that as it may' is a complex formulaic phrase.
Both express acceptance, but 'So be it' is about a decision already made, while 'Let it be' is a request for peace or non-interference.
The latter is grammatically standard but lacks the idiomatic weight of the former.
Erros comuns
Be that as it is.
Be that as it may.
Comes what may.
Come what may.
So is it.
So be it.
Suffices it to say.
Suffice it to say.
Be that as it might.
Be that as it may.
Far is it from me.
Far be it from me.
Heaven forbids.
Heaven forbid.
Be that as it may, but I disagree.
Be that as it may, I disagree.
Suffice it to say that I was angry.
Suffice it to say, I was angry.
Come whatever may.
Come what may.
Were that as it may.
Be that as it may.
So it be.
So be it.
Be it as it may.
Be that as it may.
Padrões de frases
___; be that as it may, ___.
I will ___, come what may.
Suffice it to say, ___.
Far be it from me to ___, but ___.
Real World Usage
The data is limited; be that as it may, the trend is clear.
Suffice it to say, I learned a great deal from that failure.
The party shall perform its duties, come what may.
Be that as it may, my opponent has no plan for healthcare.
Come what may, time and the hour runs through the roughest day.
If the budget is cut, then so be it.
Varie seus Pivôs
linguistic flair!Cuidado com o Contexto
Save them for when you need to impress.
Domine a Vírgula
Think of it as a breath for effect!
Linguagem Diplomática
It makes you sound considerate and sharp.
O Contexto é Rei
They are not one-size-fits-all.
Smart Tips
Use 'Be that as it may' instead of 'But' at the start of a paragraph to acknowledge a counter-argument.
Use 'Suffice it to say' to avoid over-explaining and keep the listener's attention.
Don't try to find a hidden subject; the 'Be' is the subjunctive verb acting as a pivot.
Start with 'Far be it from me to...' to show respect while still being honest.
Pronúncia
The 'Be' Stress
In 'Be that as it may', the stress is often on 'Be' and 'may', with 'that as it' spoken quickly.
Suffice Pronunciation
The 'c' in 'suffice' is pronounced like an 's'.
The Pivot Rise-Fall
Be that as it may (↑), I disagree (↓).
The first part rises to show concession, the second falls to show the final decision.
Memorize
Mnemônico
Remember 'B.C.S.' for the big three: Be that as it may, Come what may, Suffice it to say.
Associação visual
Imagine a judge in a courtroom wearing a powdered wig. Every time he wants to change the subject, he hits his gavel and says 'Be that as it may!' The gavel is the 'pivot' point.
Rhyme
When the facts are in your way, just say 'Be that as it may!'
Story
A king was told his castle was made of cheese. He looked at the cheese walls and said, 'Be that as it may, it is still my home.' He decided to stay, come what may. When the mice arrived, he sighed, 'So be it.'
Word Web
Desafio
Write a three-sentence paragraph about a failed vacation using 'Be that as it may' and 'Suffice it to say.'
Notas culturais
These phrases are slightly more common in British academic and legal circles than in American ones, where they can sometimes sound 'too' formal.
In peer-reviewed journals, these phrases are used to maintain a 'detached' and 'objective' tone while debating other scholars.
Lawyers use 'So be it' to accept a judge's ruling while signaling that they might still disagree with the logic.
These phrases originate from Middle English, a period when the subjunctive mood was much more common and used to express hypothetical or concessive ideas.
Iniciadores de conversa
If your favorite sports team loses the championship, would you say 'So be it' or would you be angry?
Tell me about a time you had to finish a project 'come what may.'
Summarize your last job using 'Suffice it to say.'
A friend says 'English is too hard.' Use 'Be that as it may' to encourage them.
Temas para diário
Erros comuns
Test Yourself
The report highlighted several challenges; ___, the team achieved significant milestones.
Find and fix the mistake:
The project was difficult. Albeit, we finished on time.
Escolha a frase correta:
Score: /3
Exercicios praticos
8 exercisesThe evidence is circumstantial; ___ that as it may, the suspect remains in custody.
I don't want to go into the details of the argument. ___, we are no longer working together.
Find and fix the mistake:
I will support your decision, comes what may.
If we have to cancel the party, I guess that's okay.
Speaker A: 'The costs are prohibitive.' Speaker B: '___, the potential benefits far outweigh the initial investment.'
Match the following:
say / suffice / to / it / we / lost / that
You can change 'Be that as it may' to 'Be this as it may' if you are talking about something close to you.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe data presented some inconsistencies; _____, the overall conclusion remained robust.
Despite that the difficulties, the team persevered.
Qual frase está correta?
Traduza para o inglês: 'O plano parece promissor. Dito isto, precisamos de mais recursos.'
Organize as palavras para formar uma frase:
Combine o pivô formal com sua função principal:
The company faced internal dissent; _____, the merger proceeded as planned.
Qual frase está correta?
I know it's a small issue, but granted I've seen worse.
Organize as palavras para formar uma frase:
Traduza para o inglês: 'O plano parece promissor. Dito isto, precisamos de mais recursos.'
The budget proposal was approved, ____ a few minor adjustments.
Score: /12
Perguntas frequentes (8)
It's not recommended. It sounds very stiff and formal. Use `Anyway` or `Even so` instead.
Yes, the meaning is the same, but `Suffice it to say` is formal/academic, while `Long story short` is casual/conversational.
It is a remnant of the `subjunctive mood`, which uses the base form of the verb to show that something is a possibility or a concession rather than a simple fact.
Yes, when they act as introductory pivots (e.g., `Be that as it may, ...`), a comma is standard.
No. While 'might' is a related modal, the idiom is fixed as `Come what may`. Changing it makes it sound non-native.
It's a way of saying 'I don't want to do X (usually criticize), but I'm going to do it anyway.' It's a polite disclaimer.
Yes, they are used in both British and American English, primarily in formal writing, law, and politics.
It can be. It sounds very final and sometimes cold. It's often used when someone is tired of arguing and just accepts the result.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Sea como sea / Así sea
Spanish uses the subjunctive much more broadly in daily life, whereas in English it is restricted to these few formal phrases.
Quoi qu'il en soit / Ainsi soit-il
French requires the subjunctive after 'quoi que', whereas English only uses it in these specific fossilized chunks.
Wie dem auch sei / So sei es
German Konjunktiv I is still used for indirect speech, while the English equivalent is almost entirely dead except for these pivots.
いずれにせよ (Izure ni seyo)
Japanese doesn't have a 'subjunctive mood' in the Western sense, but uses specific verb endings to show concession.
ليكن ما يكون (Liyakun ma yakun)
Arabic jussive is a productive part of the grammar, not just a fossilized idiom.
即便如此 (Jíbiàn rúcǐ)
The pivot is achieved through vocabulary (conjunctions) rather than grammatical mood (subjunctive).
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Vídeos relacionados
Related Grammar Rules
Primeiro Condicional: Unless = If Not
### Visão Geral Em inglês, a conjunção **`unless`** é uma ferramenta poderosa dentro das sentenças condicionais, especi...
Condicional Zero: Hábitos e Rotinas
### Visão Geral O 'Zero Conditional', quando aplicado a hábitos e rotinas, é uma estrutura gramatical que usamos para d...
Can: Expressando Habilidade (Can)
Overview Você consegue dar um mortal para trás? Ou talvez apenas assar um pão de fermentação natural decente? De qualqu...
Condicionais mistos: Ação passada, resultado presente (Type 2)
### Overview Os condicionais mistos (Mixed Conditionals) são uma das ferramentas mais sofisticadas para quem deseja ati...
Suppose & Supposing: O Jogo do 'E Se'
### Overview No nível B2 (Upper-Intermediate), você já domina o básico das condicionais com `if`. Mas, para soar realme...
