Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
germane to this
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "germane to this" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is relevant or applicable to the subject being discussed. Example: "The data we collected is germane to this discussion about climate change."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
41 human-written examples
This latter point is germane to this election, as political violence in West Bengal for instance, intimidated sections of the electorate that had made its commitment to the left clear.
News & Media
Mr. Bloomberg, who trails Mr. Green in the polls, predicted that he would be elected the next mayor because voters recognized that Mr. Green's "experience in government is not germane to this job".
News & Media
Even before a first kiss, this person should have told you those things that you would regard as germane to this phase of your evolving relationship, including his being transgender.
News & Media
I talked with Steph Jespersen, who has a title, director of advertising acceptability, that's certainly germane to this discussion, and with The Times's ranking advertising executive, Todd R. Haskell, a vice president.
News & Media
Three core aspects of Facebook are germane to this study: posts, groups, and interactions.
It looks like UFC has chosen not to renew the contract of famous ring girl Logan Stanton and Natasha Wickss, bit she's not germane to this here story).
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
19 human-written examples
Question: how much, then, does pop culture, such as the very-germane-to-this-discussion musical trio Destiny's Child, affect how parents name their children?
News & Media
Again, this is not germane to the specific purpose of this survey, which relates to consultant radiologist activity.
Science
"Is this germane to the benefits of attending the institution?" said Chris Ellertson, dean of admissions at Trinity University in San Antonio.
News & Media
The contrast between supervenience and the closely-related notion of entailment, discussed in section 3.2 of the entry on, is especially germane to the topic of this subsection).
Science
The formation of new species is the first step to macroevolutionary patterns and processes, so it is all the more germane to the thesis of this paper.
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "germane to this" when you want to emphasize that a particular piece of information or idea is directly relevant and important to the current discussion or topic. It adds a touch of formality and precision.
Common error
Avoid using "germane to this" in very informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "relevant to this" or "related to this" may be more appropriate in casual conversations.
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "germane to this" functions as an adjective phrase indicating relevance or pertinence. As confirmed by Ludwig, it modifies an implied noun, suggesting that something is directly related and important to the current topic or discussion. Its role is to specify the connection between a subject and the matter at hand.
Frequent in
Science
65%
News & Media
33%
Formal & Business
2%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "germane to this" is a phrase used to indicate that something is relevant and important to a particular topic or discussion. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While primarily found in formal and scientific contexts, as demonstrated by numerous examples, it should be used judiciously in informal settings where simpler alternatives might be more appropriate. The phrase functions as an adjective, emphasizing the direct relevance of information, and its overuse in casual conversations should be avoided to maintain a natural tone.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
relevant to this
This alternative uses a more common synonym for "germane", making it slightly less formal.
pertinent to this
Similar to "relevant", "pertinent" also indicates relevance but can sometimes imply a more direct or crucial connection.
applicable to this
This option emphasizes the practical application or suitability of something to the current context.
related to this
A more general term indicating a connection without specifying the nature of the relevance.
connected to this
Like "related to this", this alternative suggests a link, but it can be a weaker or less direct association.
bearing on this
This phrase implies that something has an influence or effect on the matter being discussed.
in relation to this
This phrase indicates a connection or association, often used to compare or contrast different elements.
concerning this
This option focuses on the topic or subject matter at hand.
apropos of this
A more formal and somewhat less common way of saying "relevant to this".
in regard to this
Similar to "concerning this", but can also imply a more formal or official context.
FAQs
What does "germane to this" mean?
The phrase "germane to this" means relevant or pertinent to the current subject or matter being discussed. It indicates that something is directly related and important to the topic at hand.
When should I use "germane to this" in my writing?
Use "germane to this" when you want to emphasize the relevance of a piece of information to a specific topic, particularly in formal or academic writing. It adds a level of precision and formality.
What are some alternatives to "germane to this"?
You can use alternatives such as "relevant to this", "pertinent to this", or "applicable to this" depending on the context. These options provide similar meanings with varying degrees of formality.
Is it okay to use "germane to this" in everyday conversation?
While grammatically correct, "germane to this" might sound overly formal in casual conversation. Simpler alternatives like "related to this" or "relevant to this" are often more appropriate for informal settings.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
82%
Authority and reliability
4.4/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested