be pertinent to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be pertinent to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the relevance or applicability of a subject or topic to a particular context or situation. Example: "The findings of this research are pertinent to our understanding of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Kip should not be pertinent to her life," she thinks.

The New York Times - Books

It would be pertinent to optimise the velocity of our auto-vehicular components at this time.

The Guardian - Sport

Ferguson had gathered information that she felt could be pertinent to Hood's defense.

The New Yorker

All judges are exposed on a daily basis to information that may be pertinent to the cases under adjudication.

The New York Times

Some of that declassified material could be pertinent to the case, but it is a time-consuming effort, they said.

The Guardian

Government lawyers are trying to assess whether Sergeant Wuterich said anything in the parts of the interview that were not broadcast that would be pertinent to their case.

The New York Times

"In connection with an unrelated case, the FBI has learned of the existence of emails that appear to be pertinent to the investigation," Comey wrote.

The Guardian

"FBI Dir just informed me, 'The FBI has learned of the existence of emails that appear to be pertinent to the investigation,' " Chaffetz's tweet said.

The New Yorker

"Any other questions might be of interest to tabloid journalists but would not be pertinent to the issues involving Ms. Levy now," Mr. Lowell said.

The New York Times

The contempt must be deliberate and intentional, and the question addressed to the witness must be pertinent to the inquiry authorized by Congress.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The search results need to be pertinent to the search term.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be pertinent to" when you want to emphasize the direct and significant relevance of something to a specific topic or situation. It is suitable for formal and professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be pertinent to" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "be relevant to" or "relate to" for better clarity and naturalness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be pertinent to" functions as a linking verb followed by an adjective (pertinent) and a preposition (to), indicating a relationship of relevance or applicability. This phrase connects a subject to something that is significantly related to it. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

51%

News & Media

32%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be pertinent to" is a grammatically correct and widely used phrase that signifies direct relevance or applicability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. The phrase is most frequently found in scientific and news-related contexts, indicating a formal and professional register. While it effectively conveys a strong connection between subjects, remember to use simpler alternatives like "be relevant to" in informal settings. When writing, prioritize clarity and ensure that the phrase accurately reflects the significance of the relationship you intend to establish.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pertain to

This alternative is a direct synonym, but slightly less common in modern usage.

be relevant to

This alternative is more commonly used and has a broader applicability in everyday language.

be applicable to

This alternative emphasizes the suitability of something for a particular purpose or situation.

be germane to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the direct relevance of something to the matter at hand.

be related to

This alternative suggests a connection or association, but not necessarily direct relevance.

apply to

This alternative focuses on the act of using or implementing something in a particular context.

be connected with

This alternative indicates a link or association, often in a broader sense.

concern

This alternative indicates that something is about or related to a particular subject.

bear upon

This alternative is a more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying "be relevant to."

have a bearing on

This alternative emphasizes the influence or impact something has on a particular subject.

FAQs

How can I use "be pertinent to" in a sentence?

The phrase "be pertinent to" is used to indicate that something is directly relevant or related to a specific topic or situation. For example, "The data collected will "be pertinent to" the ongoing investigation".

What are some alternatives to "be pertinent to"?

You can use alternatives such as "be relevant to", "be applicable to", or "pertain to" depending on the context. These phrases convey a similar meaning of relevance or applicability.

Is "be pertinent to" formal or informal?

"Be pertinent to" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, using alternatives like "be relevant to" or "relate to" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "be pertinent to" and "be relevant to"?

While both phrases indicate a connection to a particular subject, "be pertinent to" often implies a more direct and significant relevance than "be relevant to". "Be pertinent to" suggests that something is essential or crucial to the matter at hand.