Language is filled with small expressions that carry deep meaning, and one of those phrases in Portuguese is “dado à.” If you have ever tried to read Portuguese texts, legal documents, reports, or even news articles, you may have come across this phrase. Though simple, it often confuses non-native speakers because it can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
In this article, we will explore what “dado à” means, where it comes from, how to use it correctly, and how to identify the most common situations where it appears. You will also see practical examples that show the phrase in action. Whether you are a student, translator, writer, or simply curious about languages, this guide will help you understand and confidently use dado à in the right way.
What Does “Dado À” Mean?
The Portuguese phrase “dado à” translates roughly to “given to,” “prone to,” “due to,” or “considering” depending on context. It is often used to show a cause, tendency, or justification.
In most cases, it appears in formal writing, including:
Legal documents
Reports
Academic writing
Official statements
News articles
The structure usually follows:
dado à + noun or situation
This introduces a cause or explanation. For example:
“O evento foi adiado dado à chuva forte.”
(“The event was postponed due to the heavy rain.”)
The Grammar Behind “Dado À”
To properly understand dado à, it helps to break the phrase down:
1. “Dado”
“Dado” is the past participle of the verb dar (to give). When used at the beginning of a phrase, it can be translated as:
given
considering
in view of
2. “À”
This is a contraction of the preposition a + the feminine article a, meaning:
“to the”
“at the”
“for the”
Together, the phrase means “given to the” or “due to the.”
Understanding this structure helps you see why it appears in contexts that describe consequences, reasons, or tendencies.
Common Uses of “Dado À” in Sentences
There are three main ways the phrase can be used.
1. To Indicate Cause
This is the most common usage.
Example:
“As reuniões foram canceladas dado à falta de quorum.”
“Given the lack of quorum, the meetings were cancelled.”
2. To Express a Tendency
Sometimes dado à shows that a person is inclined or prone to something.
Example:
“Ele é dado à distração.”
“He is prone to distraction.”
3. To Justify a Condition
Used to introduce a reason behind a decision or statement.
Example:
“Dado à situação económica, cortes serão necessários.”
“Given the economic situation, cuts will be necessary.”
In all these uses, the phrase works like a bridge between cause and effect.
Examples of “Dado À” in Different Contexts
Below are detailed examples demonstrating how dado à appears in everyday Portuguese writing.
1. Weather and Environmental Conditions
“O aeroporto fechou dado à visibilidade reduzida.”
The phrase helps describe cause and effect in a simple, formal way.
2. Legal Documents
“Dado à violação do contrato, medidas legais poderão ser tomadas.”
This is a standard phrase in legal writing, signalling justification.
3. Medical Reports
“O paciente foi internado dado à deterioração do seu estado.”
Often used to explain medical decisions.
4. Journalism
“Dado à crise política, novas eleições serão convocadas.”
Journalists frequently use this expression to summarise complex events.
5. Everyday Use
Even though it is formal, people use it in casual speech:
“Cheguei tarde dado à confusão no trânsito.”
When Should You NOT Use “Dado À”?
Understanding the limitations of the phrase can help you avoid mistakes.
1. When the Meaning Is “Granted That”
In English, “given that” sometimes introduces conditions rather than causes.
In Portuguese, this type of conditional phrase is usually written as:
visto que
já que
considerando que
2. When the Noun Is Masculine
Remember: “à” is feminine.
If the word that follows is masculine, the correct form is dado ao.
Example:
“Dado ao aumento de casos…”
3. When Using Very Informal Language
Casual conversations may use simpler options like:
por causa de
devido a
por conta de
Why Learners Often Confuse “Dado À”
Several common mistakes occur when learning this expression.
1. Mixing “dado à” with “devido a”
Both mean “due to,” but they are not interchangeable in all contexts.
Devido a is more neutral, while dado à has a more formal tone.
2. Forgetting Verb Agreement
The phrase sometimes needs gender or number agreement:
Feminine singular: dado à
Masculine singular: dado ao
Feminine plural: dados às
Masculine plural: dados aos
3. Using It in Non-Causal Sentences
Many learners try to insert the phrase in places where it is not grammatically necessary.
Practical Tips for Using “Dado À” Correctly
Learning a phrase like dado à becomes easier when you follow these guidelines:
Tip 1: Use It Mainly in Formal Writing
It works perfectly in essays, reports, letters, or business communication.
Tip 2: Check the Gender of the Noun After It
If the noun is feminine, use dado à.
If not, use the correct alternative form.
Tip 3: Use It to Introduce a Reason
If you can replace it with “due to” or “given,” you’re likely using it correctly.
Tip 4: Keep the Sentence Clear
Avoid very long or complex structures that can confuse readers.
Tip 5: Read Native Examples
Exposure helps reinforce the correct usage of formal expressions.
Modern Examples Using “Dado À” in Real Contexts
1. Technology
“O lançamento foi adiado dado à falha técnica detectada no sistema.”
2. Business
“A empresa reviu o seu plano dado à queda nas vendas trimestrais.”
3. Education
“As aulas online foram adoptadas dado à necessidade de distanciamento.”
4. Travel
“O voo atrasou dado à forte tempestade sobre o Atlântico.”
5. Public Safety
“As estradas foram fechadas dado à possibilidade de deslizamentos.”
These sentences show how the phrase is used naturally in Portuguese-speaking environments.
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Understanding the phrase dado à is essential for anyone learning Portuguese.
Many learners struggle to know when dado à should be used instead of other causal expressions.
In formal writing, dado à helps create clear, concise, and professional reasoning.
The meaning of dado à often depends on whether the context is legal, journalistic, or conversational.
When translated into English, dado à can mean “given,” “due to,” or “considering,” depending on the situation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What does “dado à” mean in English?
It generally means “given,” “due to,” “considering,” or “in view of,” depending on the context.
2. Is “dado à” formal or informal?
It is mostly used in formal contexts such as reports, legal writing, or academic work.
3. Can I use “dado à” in everyday conversation?
Yes, but it may sound slightly formal. Many people prefer simpler alternatives like por causa de.
4. Is “dado à” the same as “devido a”?
Not exactly. Both show cause, but dado à is more formal and emphasises justification.
5. Does “dado à” change depending on gender?
Yes.
Feminine singular: dado à
Masculine singular: dado ao
Feminine plural: dados às
Masculine plural: dados aos
6. Can “dado à” start a sentence?
Yes.
Example: “Dado à situação actual, novas medidas serão tomadas.”
7. Is “dado à” commonly used in Portugal and Brazil?
Yes, though it is more frequent in written Portuguese than in spoken Brazilian Portuguese.
