are germane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are germane" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is relevant or applicable to the matter at hand. Example: "The points raised in the discussion are germane to our current project and should be considered in our decision-making process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Perhaps such comparisons are germane.

The New York Times - Arts

Her legal options, too, are germane.

The New York Times - Magazine

But he feels its arguments are germane.

The Guardian - Film

A political candidate's views on the issues are germane.

The New York Times

What lessons can we draw from Girard that are germane to the latest outrage in Paris?

The Washington Post

Questions about possible prejudice are germane whenever a candidate aspires to public office.

The New York Times

Our main goal is to address the following issues which are germane to the downscaling process:.

Journal of Hydrology

The issues are germane today; the book should be required reading in the White House and Downing Street.

The Guardian - Books

Only carefully selected moments in which the Palestinians can be depicted as victimized are germane to Sacco's argument.

The New York Times

Yale hosts many outstanding research programs that are germane to the aims of the GI Research Fellowship Program.

Yale University

The relative prices, costs, and profits of those other companies are germane to the ultimate issue to be resolved.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are germane" to emphasize the direct and important relevance of specific points to the current discussion or subject matter. It adds a formal and precise tone to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "are germane" in casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "are relevant" or "are related" for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are germane" functions as a predicate adjective phrase, modifying a plural noun or pronoun to indicate relevance or pertinence. As Ludwig AI reports, the phrase is used to indicate that something is relevant or applicable to the matter at hand.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

34%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are germane" is a predicate adjective phrase used to indicate that certain points or details are directly relevant and important to a discussion or subject matter. Ludwig AI confirms its function in highlighting relevance. Predominantly found in formal contexts like scientific, academic, and news media sources, the phrase carries a formal and precise tone. When a less formal approach is needed, alternatives such as "are relevant", "are pertinent", or "are applicable" may be more suitable. While grammatically correct, as confirmed by Ludwig, its overuse in casual settings should be avoided. Its strong presence in authoritative sources underscores its value in precise and formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are relevant

Focuses directly on the relevance of something to the topic.

are pertinent

Emphasizes the direct and precise relevance of something.

are applicable

Highlights the practical application of something to the situation.

are related

Indicates a connection or relationship to the subject.

are connected

Similar to related but suggests a closer link.

are appropriate

Suggests something is suitable or fitting for the situation.

are on point

More informal, emphasizing direct relevance.

are significant

Highlights the importance and relevance of something.

bear upon

More formal way of indicating relevance or influence.

have a bearing on

Similar to "bear upon", indicating relevance or influence.

FAQs

How do I use "are germane" in a sentence?

Use "are germane" to indicate that certain facts, ideas, or issues are directly relevant and important to the matter being discussed. For example: "The legal options, too, "are germane"".

What can I say instead of "are germane"?

You can use alternatives like "are relevant", "are pertinent", or "are applicable" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "are germane" or "is germane"?

"Are germane" is used when referring to plural subjects, while "is germane" is used for singular subjects. For example: "The issues "are germane" today" (plural) vs. "The issue is germane" (singular).

What is the difference between "are germane" and "are important"?

"Are germane" emphasizes the direct relevance and applicability of something to a specific topic, while "are important" simply highlights the significance or value of something. "Are germane" implies a closer, more direct connection to the subject at hand than "are important".