Em Geral vs. De Modo Geral: Say ‘In General’ in Portuguese — Practice

Use em geral for a broad tendency

Em geral means in general or generally. It introduces a pattern that is often true without claiming it applies in every case. This makes it useful when describing habits, schedules, and preferences.

It can begin a sentence or appear after the subject. A short qualifier helps you avoid making a universal claim about a diverse group.

Use de modo geral in a structured explanation

De modo geral also means broadly speaking or in general. It can sound a little more deliberate in a presentation or written overview, though it is also natural in conversation.

Both expressions often fit the same sentence. Choose one and avoid repeating it in the next clause.

Name exceptions when they matter

A broad statement becomes clearer when you mention an exception: em geral…, mas nesta unidade… (in general…, but at this branch…). The exception helps the listener understand the limits of the pattern.

Use normalmente for something that usually happens and geralmente for generally; these can be alternatives depending on the sentence.

Remember: Use either phrase for a broad pattern, then name an important exception instead of implying that a tendency has no exceptions.

Check your understanding

Choose the English meaning of each Portuguese example. Answer before looking back at the tables. These questions check the written examples in this guide; they are not a listening or proficiency test.

Recall the Portuguese, then say it

Read the English prompt and say a Portuguese version before opening the answer. The answer shows the example from the lesson; other natural translations may also work. Compare the meaning and the situation rather than counting a different word as automatically wrong.

1. In general, I prefer to study in the morning.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Em geral, prefiro estudar de manhã.

2. Neighborhood markets generally close earlier on Sundays.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Os mercados do bairro, em geral, fecham mais cedo aos domingos.

3. Broadly speaking, the course combines classes and practical activities.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   De modo geral, o curso combina aulas e atividades práticas.

4. Overall, the feedback was positive, with a few suggestions for improvement.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   De modo geral, o feedback foi positivo, com algumas sugestões de melhoria.

5. In general, we accept cards, but this market only takes cash.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   Em geral, aceitamos cartão, mas esta feira trabalha só com dinheiro.

6. Generally, the meetings are in person; this week, they will be online.

   Show a Portuguese answer

   De modo geral, os encontros são presenciais; nesta semana, serão on-line.

Make the phrase useful to you

Choose one example you could actually use. Say it once from memory, then change one detail that fits your life, such as the person, place, time, or object. Check whether your change also needs a different verb form, article, or adjective ending. If it does, compare it with the pattern in the explanation.

Use either phrase for a broad pattern, then name an important exception instead of implying that a tendency has no exceptions.

Return to two prompts tomorrow without opening the answers first. If a phrase still feels difficult, shorten it to a useful chunk and build the complete sentence again.

Sources and your next lesson

This I Speak Portuguese practice guide builds on our Em Geral vs. De Modo Geral: Say ‘In General’ in Portuguese lesson on Real Life Portuguese, with written recall tasks and additional speaking practice. The explanations and examples are teaching material; the practice questions are exercises, not a transcript of a recording.

To add Brazilian audio to your routine, choose a lesson in the Real Life Portuguese app. The app offers its own lessons and practice; this page does not imply that every example here has an app recording.