be relevant to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be relevant to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the importance or applicability of a topic or piece of information in relation to something else. Example: "The findings of this study must be relevant to the current issues we are facing in the industry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Location can be relevant to its suitability".

The Guardian

This may be relevant to people.

The New York Times

It shouldn't be relevant to postcolonial India.

The New Yorker

(The mechanism did not appear to be relevant to females).

The New Yorker

Note to Brexiters: this might be relevant to you.

The Guardian - Opinion

Pay attention, this could be relevant to later developments.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

They are looking to be relevant, to fit in.

The Washington Post

"Politics should be relevant to everyone, especially now.

The Guardian - Sport

Not every question here will be relevant to your presentation.

Harvard Business Review

These may be relevant to other regions as well.

University of California, Berkeley

Only "economic considerations" should be relevant to lending decisions.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be relevant to", ensure the connection between the subject and the object of relevance is clear and direct. Avoid vague or implied relationships to maintain clarity.

Common error

Avoid claiming something is relevant to a topic without providing a specific explanation of how it connects. Back up your statement with concrete details and evidence to support the relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be relevant to" functions as a linking verb phrase establishing a relationship between two entities. It indicates that one thing has a connection, importance, or applicability in relation to another. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct to use, showing relevance or significance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be relevant to" is a versatile expression used to indicate a connection, applicability, or significance between two subjects. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and commonly used across varied contexts including News & Media, Science, and Academia. To ensure clarity in writing, it's important to explicitly state the connection between subjects, and to avoid vague statements of relevance. Alternatives such as "be germane to", "be pertinent to", and "apply to" offer nuanced ways to express similar relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be germane to

Indicates a close and direct relationship to the matter at hand, often implying importance.

be pertinent to

Implies a direct and significant relation to the matter being considered.

apply to

Focuses on the applicability of a rule, concept, or idea to a specific situation.

pertain to

Suggests a connection or association, often in a formal or legal context.

relate to

Emphasizes a connection or correspondence between two or more things.

concern

Highlights the involvement or impact of something on a particular subject or person.

bear upon

Implies a direct influence or impact on something, often in a consequential way.

have a bearing on

Similar to 'bear upon', but emphasizes the influence or relevance.

be connected to

Indicates a direct link or association with something else.

have significance for

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of something for a particular subject or group.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to "be relevant to" something else?

When something "be relevant to" something else, it means that it is connected, applicable, or important to that other thing. Its significance lies in its relationship to the matter at hand.

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

You can use "be relevant to" to show a connection or applicability. For example: "The information needs to "be relevant to" the topic at hand" or "The skills you learn here will "be relevant to" your future career".

What are some alternatives to saying "be relevant to"?

Alternatives include "be germane to", "be pertinent to", "apply to", "pertain to", or "relate to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is there a difference between "be relevant to" and "be applicable to"?

"Be relevant to" suggests a broader connection or importance, while "be applicable to" implies that something can be practically applied or used in a particular situation. Something can "be relevant to" a discussion without "be applicable to" a specific task.