Advanced Discourse Connectors | Portuguese (Portugal) Grammar

Everyone at B1 knows mas ("but"), então ("so"), and por exemplo ("for example"). These are the everyday connectors — clear, universal, spoken. But reading a newspaper editorial, a legal text, or an academic paper in Portuguese means encountering a completely different inventory: todavia, contudo, não obstante, por conseguinte, nomeadamente, em suma, deveras. These sophisticated connectors are the scaffolding of educated Portuguese prose. They signal the logical moves — contrast, consequence, addition, conclusion — that turn a sequence of sentences into an argument.

This page is a working reference for the full inventory of advanced discourse connectors in European Portuguese, organised by function. For each connector, you'll find its register (formal, literary, archaic), its typical sentence position, its punctuation, and examples of natural use. Read this page actively — the payoff is enormous: you'll finally understand how serious Portuguese writing is structured, and you'll be able to write it yourself.

💡

A practical principle: mixing registers of connectors is a stronger error than using the wrong connector. A single não obstante in an otherwise casual email feels absurd; a single mas in an otherwise formal legal opinion feels sloppy. When you pick a connector, also pick a register, and then match everything else to it.

Contrast connectors

Portuguese has a rich inventory of ways to signal "but" at different registers. The choice signals how you are contrasting: softly, strongly, concessively, or in sharp opposition.

no entanto — neutral, written-leaning "however"

The most common formal contrast connector. Works in essays, newspapers, formal emails, and carefully edited speech. Comes at the start of a clause, usually after a semicolon or full stop.

O candidato prometeu reformas rápidas; no entanto, nada foi feito nos primeiros seis meses.

The candidate promised quick reforms; however, nothing was done in the first six months.

O filme teve boas críticas. No entanto, a bilheteira foi um desastre.

The film had good reviews. However, box office was a disaster.

contudo — formal "however/nevertheless"

Slightly more formal than no entanto. Strong in editorials, literary prose, academic writing. Interchangeable with no entanto for most purposes but tilts the register up.

A economia cresceu três por cento. Contudo, o desemprego subiu.

The economy grew three percent. Nevertheless, unemployment rose.

Reconhecemos o esforço. Contudo, os resultados ficaram aquém do esperado.

We recognise the effort. Nevertheless, the results fell short of what was expected. (formal)

todavia — literary/formal "yet/nevertheless"

Distinctly formal and leaning literary. Common in essays, literary analysis, and older-style journalism. In everyday prose, it sounds elevated; in a casual conversation it would be mocked as pompous.

A noite caiu sobre a cidade. Todavia, nenhuma luz se acendeu nas janelas.

Night fell over the city. Yet no light came on in the windows. (literary)

Aceitámos a proposta. Todavia, reservamo-nos o direito de renegociar.

We accepted the proposal. Nevertheless, we reserve the right to renegotiate. (formal contractual register)

porém — formal "however", often mid-clause

Common in formal writing, journalistic prose, and careful speech. Unusually, porém often appears inside the clause, after the subject or a first constituent, separated by commas — a position that feels distinctly literary.

O projeto, porém, enfrentou oposição feroz no parlamento.

The project, however, faced fierce opposition in parliament.

As vendas subiram; o lucro, porém, diminuiu.

Sales rose; the profit, however, decreased.

não obstante — formal/legal "notwithstanding"

Strongly formal, frequent in legal, administrative, and academic writing. It can function as a connector (like contudo) or as a preposition meaning "despite" (não obstante as dificuldades = "despite the difficulties").

Não obstante as críticas, o governo manteve a decisão.

Notwithstanding the criticism, the government kept the decision.

A proposta foi aprovada. Não obstante, muitos deputados expressaram reservas.

The proposal was approved. Notwithstanding, many MPs expressed reservations.

em contrapartida — "on the other hand / in return"

Introduces a compensating contrast: X has this downside, but in return it has this upside, or vice versa. More specific than general "however" connectors.

O apartamento é pequeno; em contrapartida, fica no centro.

The apartment is small; on the other hand, it's in the centre.

Os impostos subiram. Em contrapartida, os serviços públicos melhoraram.

Taxes went up. In return, public services improved.

por outro lado — "on the other hand"

Neutral register, works in both writing and speech. Signals that you're presenting a different perspective or angle, not necessarily a sharp contrast.

Por um lado, o trabalho remoto aumenta a flexibilidade. Por outro lado, enfraquece os laços da equipa.

On one hand, remote work increases flexibility. On the other hand, it weakens team bonds.

💡

For day-to-day writing, no entanto is your safest formal contrast connector. Reserve todavia and não obstante for writing where the register is genuinely elevated. Use porém when you want mid-clause placement.

Consequence connectors

These signal that what follows is a logical result of what came before.

por conseguinte — "consequently" (strong formal)

Strongly formal, common in legal, academic, and administrative texts. It marks a deductive conclusion.

A lei foi aprovada em plenário; por conseguinte, entra em vigor a partir de janeiro.

The law was passed in plenary session; consequently, it comes into force as of January.

Os custos aumentaram significativamente. Por conseguinte, a empresa reviu a sua estratégia.

Costs increased significantly. Consequently, the company revised its strategy.

assim — "thus/so" (neutral formal)

Versatile connector, works across registers from journalistic to mildly informal. Signals a straightforward consequence.

O autocarro atrasou-se duas horas; assim, perdi a reunião.

The bus was two hours late; so I missed the meeting.

A comissão aprovou a moção. Assim, o relatório seguirá para votação.

The committee approved the motion. Thus, the report will go to a vote.

desse modo / dessa forma — "in this way / thus"

Formal, written. Similar to assim but more emphatic about how the consequence follows.

A empresa investiu em formação; desse modo, aumentou a produtividade.

The company invested in training; in this way, it increased productivity.

Optámos por adiar o evento. Dessa forma, evitamos o conflito de agenda.

We chose to postpone the event. In this way, we avoid the scheduling conflict.

por isso — "therefore/that's why" (neutral)

The workhorse consequence connector. Works in all registers from informal speech to formal writing. Less elevated than por conseguinte, more precise than assim.

Estava a chover muito, por isso decidimos ficar em casa.

It was raining heavily, so we decided to stay home.

A reunião foi cancelada; por isso, os documentos foram enviados por email.

The meeting was cancelled; therefore, the documents were sent by email.

de modo que / de maneira que — "so that / such that"

These function both as consequence connectors and as result-introducing conjunctions (see result clauses). Formal, careful register.

Chegámos cedo, de modo que conseguimos bons lugares.

We arrived early, so we got good seats.

O orçamento foi aumentado, de maneira que o projeto pode avançar este ano.

The budget was increased, such that the project can move forward this year.

Addition connectors

These signal that you're adding another item, argument, or consideration to what came before.

além disso — "besides / moreover" (neutral)

General-purpose addition connector, works in every register. Tops the list for both speech and writing.

O relatório é incompleto. Além disso, contém vários erros factuais.

The report is incomplete. Moreover, it contains several factual errors.

Ele é competente; além disso, é muito simpático.

He's competent; besides, he's very friendly.

ademais — "furthermore" (formal/literary)

Elevated register, felt as somewhat literary or old-fashioned. You'll find it in editorials and older academic prose more than in modern casual writing.

O projeto é economicamente inviável; ademais, enfrenta forte oposição popular.

The project is economically unviable; furthermore, it faces strong popular opposition. (formal)

ainda — "also / still / moreover"

Multifunctional — as a connector, ainda means "in addition to what I've already said". Works in speech and writing.

Falámos dos custos. Ainda há a questão do cronograma a discutir.

We talked about costs. There's also still the schedule issue to discuss.

Tem experiência internacional; fala quatro línguas; ainda por cima, é um excelente comunicador.

He has international experience; speaks four languages; and on top of that, he's an excellent communicator.

bem como / assim como — "as well as / just as"

Both structural (connecting noun phrases) and adverbial (connecting clauses). Formal register.

Foram aprovadas as novas medidas económicas, bem como o plano de emergência.

The new economic measures were approved, as well as the emergency plan.

Os professores, assim como os alunos, expressaram o seu descontentamento.

The teachers, just as the students, expressed their dissatisfaction.

acresce que — "it must be added that" (formal)

Distinctly formal written register. Introduces an additional consideration that strengthens the argument.

O candidato não tem experiência parlamentar. Acresce que nunca geriu uma equipa.

The candidate has no parliamentary experience. Add to this that he has never managed a team. (formal)

Exemplification connectors

These introduce examples or specific cases.

por exemplo — "for example" (universal)

Neutral register, works everywhere.

Há muitas cidades interessantes no norte. Por exemplo, Braga e Guimarães.

There are many interesting cities in the north. For example, Braga and Guimarães.

nomeadamente — "specifically / namely" (formal)

Formal register, common in writing. Introduces a specific instance or list from a broader category.

Várias empresas foram afetadas, nomeadamente as do setor automóvel.

Several companies were affected, specifically those in the automotive sector.

Os países do sul da Europa, nomeadamente Portugal, Espanha e Itália, têm problemas semelhantes.

Southern European countries, namely Portugal, Spain and Italy, have similar problems.

designadamente — "in particular / namely" (very formal)

Same function as nomeadamente but markedly more formal, common in legal and administrative texts.

Os direitos fundamentais, designadamente a liberdade de expressão, estão consagrados na Constituição.

Fundamental rights, in particular freedom of expression, are enshrined in the Constitution.

isto é — "that is" (neutral, clarifying)

Introduces a rephrasing or clarification. Works in all registers.

Recebi o convite com antecedência, isto é, há mais de um mês.

I got the invitation in advance, that is, more than a month ago.

a saber — "namely" (formal, slightly archaic)

Very formal, slightly old-fashioned. Introduces an explicit list of the items just mentioned generically.

Os três princípios fundamentais da República, a saber, liberdade, igualdade e fraternidade, continuam a ser relevantes.

The three fundamental principles of the Republic, namely, liberty, equality and fraternity, remain relevant. (formal)

tais como — "such as"

Neutral-to-formal. Introduces specific examples that are types of the category mentioned.

Alimentos ricos em fibra, tais como frutas e legumes, melhoram a digestão.

Fibre-rich foods, such as fruits and vegetables, improve digestion.

Conclusion connectors

These signal that you're wrapping up an argument or summarising.

em conclusão — "in conclusion" (formal)

Straightforward, formal. Common in essays, editorials, speeches.

Em conclusão, os dados mostram uma tendência clara de recuperação económica.

In conclusion, the data show a clear trend of economic recovery.

enfim — "in short / anyway" (multifunctional)

A slippery word. As a conclusion connector, it means "in short" or "to sum up". In informal speech, it functions like English "anyway" or "well" — a filler for wrapping up a tangent.

Enfim, o governo tem de tomar medidas urgentes.

In short, the government has to take urgent measures.

Pronto, enfim, vamos mudar de assunto.

Right, well anyway, let's change the subject. (informal)

em suma — "in sum / to sum up" (formal)

Formal, written register.

Em suma, o projeto é viável, mas exige revisões substanciais.

In sum, the project is viable, but requires substantial revisions.

em síntese — "in synthesis / in summary" (formal)

Strongly formal, common in academic and technical writing. Signals a synthetic recap of a detailed argument.

Em síntese, três fatores explicam o fenómeno: política monetária, demografia e tecnologia.

In summary, three factors explain the phenomenon: monetary policy, demographics, and technology. (academic)

resumindo — "to sum up" (neutral, spoken-friendly)

More colloquial than em suma or em síntese. Works in both writing and speech.

Resumindo, precisamos de mais tempo e mais dinheiro.

To sum up, we need more time and more money.

Cause / explanatory connectors

These give the reason for what was said, not a new cause-effect relationship but a clarifying explanation.

com efeito — "indeed / in fact" (formal)

Introduces confirming evidence for a claim just made. Formal register.

A crise aprofundou-se. Com efeito, o desemprego atingiu o nível mais alto em dez anos.

The crisis deepened. Indeed, unemployment reached its highest level in ten years. (formal)

na verdade — "actually / in truth" (neutral)

Works in speech and writing. Signals that what follows is the real/underlying truth, often correcting or nuancing.

Parecia confiante, mas na verdade estava bastante nervoso.

He looked confident, but actually he was quite nervous.

deveras — "truly / indeed" (literary/archaic)

Elevated literary register, almost archaic in modern Portuguese. You'll see it in older essays and literary prose. Using it in speech is affected.

Era deveras uma situação preocupante.

It was truly a worrying situation. (literary)

de facto — "in fact" (neutral-to-formal)

Common and neutral. Introduces factual confirmation. Note spelling: de facto retains c in European Portuguese even after the 1990 spelling reform (AO90), because the c is actually pronounced.

De facto, nunca vi nada parecido.

In fact, I've never seen anything like it.

Enumeration connectors

These structure sequential arguments or list items.

em primeiro lugar / em segundo lugar — "firstly / secondly"

Formal register, structures arguments clearly. English uses first, second, third; Portuguese uses this fuller construction.

Há três motivos para recusar a proposta. Em primeiro lugar, o custo é excessivo.

There are three reasons to reject the proposal. Firstly, the cost is excessive.

Em segundo lugar, o cronograma é irrealista.

Secondly, the schedule is unrealistic.

Em terceiro lugar, a equipa não está preparada.

Thirdly, the team isn't prepared.

por último — "lastly / finally"

Formal marker of the final item in a list.

Por último, devemos considerar o impacto ambiental.

Lastly, we must consider the environmental impact.

finalmente — "finally"

Works both as an enumeration marker and as a discourse marker signalling relief ("at last"). Neutral register.

Finalmente, resta abordar a questão do financiamento.

Finally, there remains the question of funding to address.

Finalmente chegou o comboio!

The train finally came! (emotional — 'at last')

antes de mais — "first of all / above all"

Formal. Introduces the most important or primary consideration.

Antes de mais, gostaria de agradecer a presença de todos.

First of all, I'd like to thank everyone for being here.

por fim — "finally / at last"

Closes a sequence. More literary than finalmente.

Por fim, depois de horas de debate, chegámos a um acordo.

Finally, after hours of debate, we reached an agreement.

Connectors for paraphrase and qualification

ou seja — "that is / in other words" (neutral)

Reformulation connector. Works in all registers, extremely common.

A empresa não pagou os salários há três meses. Ou seja, está falida na prática.

The company hasn't paid salaries in three months. That is, it's practically bankrupt.

por assim dizer — "so to speak"

Softens a metaphorical or loose expression.

Ele é, por assim dizer, o cérebro da operação.

He is, so to speak, the brain of the operation.

até certo ponto — "to some extent"

Qualifies a claim.

Até certo ponto, concordo com a análise.

To some extent, I agree with the analysis.

Position and punctuation rules

Most of these connectors share the same set of placement options:

Sentence-initial, followed by a comma: No entanto, a economia melhorou.
Between two main clauses, after a semicolon or full stop, followed by a comma: Trabalhou muito; no entanto, não conseguiu o emprego.
Inside the clause, after the subject or a first constituent, set off by commas: A economia, no entanto, melhorou.
After a coordinating conjunction (rare, marked): Mas, no entanto, a economia melhorou. (emphatic, sometimes criticised as redundant)

A handful of connectors have fixed positions: porém is especially natural mid-clause, acresce que is typically clause-initial, a saber always follows the element it is elaborating.

💡

A quick test when you're uncertain about placement: if the connector can be removed without breaking the grammar, it's a free-floating discourse adverb and you have flexibility. If removing it leaves a dangling clause, it's acting more like a conjunction and its position is locked.

Register mixing — the main pitfall

The single biggest mistake advanced learners make with these connectors is register clash. A single highly formal connector like não obstante in an otherwise neutral text stands out and feels misjudged.

❌ Fui ao supermercado ontem. Não obstante, esqueci-me do leite.

Jarring — 'não obstante' is a legal-register connector; this sentence is domestic.

✅ Fui ao supermercado ontem. Só que me esqueci do leite.

I went to the supermarket yesterday. Only I forgot the milk. (natural casual)

✅ Fui ao supermercado ontem, mas esqueci-me do leite.

I went to the supermarket yesterday, but I forgot the milk. (neutral)

A good heuristic: ask yourself what kind of document the sentence belongs in. If the sentence could appear in a legal brief, não obstante fits. If it's from a text to a friend, use mas or só que.

Common Mistakes

❌ Ele é simpático, porém gosto muito dele.

Incorrect — 'porém' signals contrast, but there's no contrast here, just coincidence.

✅ Ele é simpático, por isso gosto muito dele.

He's nice, so I like him a lot.

❌ O projeto foi aprovado; por conseguinte ele também concordou.

Awkward — 'por conseguinte' is for strong logical consequence, not personal agreement.

✅ O projeto foi aprovado; por isso, ele também concordou.

The project was approved; that's why he also agreed.

❌ Precisamos de dinheiro e além disso tempo.

Incorrect — 'além disso' connects clauses, not bare nouns.

✅ Precisamos de dinheiro e também de tempo.

We need money and also time.

✅ Precisamos de dinheiro. Além disso, precisamos de tempo.

We need money. Besides, we need time.

❌ Enfim, em conclusão, em suma, o projeto falhou.

Incorrect — stacking conclusion connectors is redundant and pompous.

✅ Em suma, o projeto falhou.

In sum, the project failed.

❌ Nomeadamente Portugal tem muitos problemas.

Incorrect — 'nomeadamente' specifies a subset from a broader group; it can't lead without context.

✅ Os países do sul têm problemas económicos, nomeadamente Portugal.

Southern countries have economic problems, specifically Portugal.

❌ Deveras gostei do filme ontem.

Odd register — 'deveras' is literary/archaic, wildly out of place in casual speech.

✅ Gostei mesmo do filme ontem.

I really enjoyed the film yesterday. (natural spoken)

Key Takeaways

Register matching is the master rule. Pick the connector whose register matches the surrounding prose: mas for casual, no entanto for neutral formal, todavia for literary, não obstante for legal/administrative.
Contrast: no entanto (neutral), contudo (formal), todavia (literary), porém (mid-clause), não obstante (legal), em contrapartida (compensating).
Consequence: por isso (neutral), assim (versatile), por conseguinte (strong formal), desse modo (formal).
Addition: além disso (neutral), ademais (literary), bem como (structural), acresce que (formal).
Exemplification: por exemplo (universal), nomeadamente (formal), designadamente (very formal), tais como (introducing types).
Conclusion: em conclusão / em suma (formal), resumindo (neutral), em síntese (academic).
Enumeration: em primeiro lugar / em segundo lugar / por último — the canonical ordered list structure.
Placement is flexible for most connectors: sentence-initial, between clauses, or mid-clause with commas. Porém especially favours mid-clause placement.