if it pertains to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "if it pertains to" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is related or applicable to a particular topic or subject. Example: "Our company policy states that all employees must sign a non-disclosure agreement if it pertains to confidential information." This sentence is stating that the employees must sign the agreement if the information they are handling is considered confidential.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

If it pertains to every being in relation to something else, it can express either the difference between beings, which is indicated by 'something' (aliquid), or their conformity.

SEP

If it pertains to every being in itself, it can either be said positively, i.e. the essence indicated by 'thing' (res), or negatively, and that is the 'indivision' expressed by 'one'one

SEP

If you need to check a message or look up data, excuse yourself from the conversation or tell the other person what you're doing if it pertains to the conversation at hand.

HuffPost

If it pertains to the communication, list academic credentials like "Ph.D" at the end of the salutation.

WikiHow

If it includes deep involvement in any certain philosophy, idea, or political topic, particularly if it pertains to current events, mention or hint toward them in your title.

WikiHow

There are chances to stumble into a small event, such as eavesdropping into someone's conversation, if it pertains to the story.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The court may enforce the subpoena as if it pertained to a proceeding before that court.

Cornell University

"I avoided it like the plague, but a couple of times I had to go — maybe if it pertained to me, a good friend of mine got jumped — I had to go," he said.

The New York Times

It would depend on what she was writing about, what was going on in her life, and if it pertained to that exact moment.

Wikipedia

Participants who said time since diagnosis had no influence, acknowledged that information would only be relevant if it pertained to a time period not yet reached.

British Journal of Cancer

What's going on between you and the President, if anything, as it pertains to these death panels?

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "if it pertains to", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, "If the new regulation pertains to environmental safety, all departments must comply."

Common error

Avoid using "if it pertains to" without specifying what 'it' refers to, or to what 'it' pertains. Unclear references can confuse the reader. Instead of writing "If it pertains to this, do that", specify "If this rule pertains to employee conduct, notify HR".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "if it pertains to" functions as a conditional clause introducer, setting a condition for the main clause. According to Ludwig, the phrase is commonly used to indicate relevance or applicability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "if it pertains to" is a commonly used phrase to introduce a conditional clause, indicating relevance or applicability. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts, ranging from neutral to formal. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by explicitly stating what 'it' refers to and what 'it' pertains to. Common contexts include science, news, and general informational writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

if it concerns

Focuses on the direct subject of concern, rather than the broader relevance.

if it applies to

Highlights the applicability of something to a specific case.

if it relates to

Emphasizes the connection or relationship between two things.

if it is relevant to

Directly indicates the relevance of something.

should it regard

A more formal phrasing to indicate if something is about a specific thing.

in the event it affects

Focuses on the potential impact or influence of something.

if it has bearing on

Emphasizes the influence or impact something has on a matter.

assuming it touches on

Suggests a connection, possibly indirect, with a particular subject.

if it bears upon

Similar to 'has bearing on', indicating relevance or influence.

insofar as it is connected with

A formal phrase indicating the degree to which something is related.

FAQs

How can I use "if it pertains to" in a sentence?

Use "if it pertains to" to indicate a conditional relationship where something is relevant or applicable. For example, "The discount applies only if it pertains to items purchased this week."

What phrases are similar to "if it pertains to"?

You can use alternatives like "if it relates to", "if it applies to", or "if it concerns" depending on the specific context.

Is "if it pertains to" formal or informal language?

"If it pertains to" falls into the neutral to formal category, therefore it is appropriate for professional, academic and news contexts.

What's the difference between "if it pertains to" and "if it affects"?

"If it pertains to" indicates relevance or connection, while "if it affects" indicates a direct impact or influence. Use "if it affects" when you want to emphasize the impact, and "if it pertains to" when you want to emphasize the relevance.