No tocante à investigação

You usually place this phrase at the very beginning of a sentence. It sets the stage for what follows. You can also use it in the middle of a paragraph to pivot. Remember that tocante comes from the verb tocar (to touch). So, you are literally talking about what 'touches' the subject. Because investigação is a feminine noun, you must use the à with a grave accent (crase). This shows the fusion of the preposition a and the article a.

This is a staple in legal documents and news reports. If you are watching a Brazilian crime drama, you will hear it often. Use it in a high-stakes business meeting. It works well when you need to sound professional and detached. It is perfect for writing formal emails to authorities. It also fits when you are playing a detective in a game with friends!

Avoid this phrase at a casual Sunday barbecue. If you ask your cousin, No tocante à investigação da picanha..., they will think you are joking. It is too heavy for lighthearted texting. Do not use it if you want to sound warm or intimate. It creates a linguistic wall between you and the listener. Stick to sobre or falar de for friends and family.

Portuguese speakers take pride in using 'rebuscado' (sophisticated) language in formal settings. Using complex connectors like this shows you are well-educated. In Brazil, the bureaucracy often uses this 'legalese' style. It stems from a long tradition of formal rhetoric in Latin-based languages. It makes even a simple update sound like a serious official statement. It is the linguistic equivalent of wearing a three-piece suit.

You might hear No que tange à investigação which means the exact same thing. Another common one is Quanto à investigação. If you want to be slightly less stiff, you can use Em relação à investigação. All of these serve to categorize information clearly. They help keep complex discussions organized and professional.