has to do with

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "has to do with" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a connection between two or more things. For example, "The article we read today has to do with climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, it has to do with governance.

The Economist

It obviously has to do with leadership.

The New Yorker

"It has to do with the sea".

The New York Times

It has to do with football development".

The New York Times - Sports

It has to do with her style.

The New York Times - Arts

"It has to do with criminal activity.

The New York Times

One has to do with class.

The New York Times - Arts

One has to do with trucks.

The Economist

It has to do with F.A.A. furloughs".

The New York Times

Another conflict has to do with religion.

The New Yorker

One has to do with gender violence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has to do with" to clearly indicate a relationship or connection between different elements in your writing. Ensure the context makes the nature of the relationship clear to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "has to do with" when a more precise verb or phrase can better describe the relationship. Vague connections can weaken your argument.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has to do with" primarily functions as a connector to indicate a relationship, relevance, or connection between two or more entities or concepts. According to Ludwig, it is correct and widely used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

30%

Science

27%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "has to do with" is a versatile phrase used to indicate a relationship or connection between different subjects. According to Ludwig, the expression is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its usage spans across various contexts, including news, academia, and everyday conversations, making it a valuable tool in writing and communication. While widely accepted, considering more precise alternatives can enhance clarity and specificity in certain contexts. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its widespread applicability and grammatical correctness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is related to

Emphasizes a direct relationship or connection between two subjects.

is connected to

Highlights a link or association, often suggesting interdependence.

pertains to

Indicates relevance or applicability to a specific subject or matter.

concerns

Focuses on the subject or area of interest.

involves

Suggests inclusion or participation in something.

is relevant to

Highlights the pertinence or significance to a particular context.

is associated with

Indicates a connection or correlation, often without implying causation.

is linked to

Similar to 'is connected to', but may imply a more direct causal link.

bears on

Suggests an influence or impact on a particular matter.

relates to

Indicates a connection or correspondence between two things.

FAQs

How can I use "has to do with" in a sentence?

Use "has to do with" to indicate a relationship or connection between two subjects. For example, "The increase in sales "is related to" the new marketing campaign".

What are some alternatives to "has to do with"?

You can use alternatives like ""is related to"", "pertains to", or "concerns" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "has to do with" in formal writing?

Yes, "has to do with" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using a more precise alternative like "is relevant to" or "involves" for clarity.

What's the difference between "is related to" and "has to do with"?

"Is related to" directly implies a relationship, while "has to do with" can sometimes suggest a broader or less direct connection. The choice depends on the desired level of specificity. You can use alternatives like "is associated with" or "is linked to".