is germane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is germane" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is relevant or applicable to the matter at hand. Example: "The discussion about climate change is germane to our meeting on environmental policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

How much of this is germane?

The New Yorker

Distortion is germane to a discussion of Schulz.

The Guardian - Books

Neither point is germane to the portrait's accuracy.

The New Yorker

And the same response is germane: look out!

The New Yorker

I'm afraid the fact that I was in a men's room at the time is germane.

The New Yorker

In its broader thematic concerns, however, theology as a subject matter is germane to other religions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every piece of every candidate's public record, Mr. Obama said, is "germane to the presidency".

The New York Times

Moreover, the formality of Horace is germane - it is part of his communication.

The Guardian - Books

That image of the man outside the doorway is germane today, in a different and even more tragic manner.

The New York Times

This is germane to the question posed above because the reputation of N.B.A. players is like a commercial brand.

The New York Times

This is germane, in part, because a pigeon occupies a disproportionate part of the film's fifty-four-minute running time.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is germane" when you want to indicate that a piece of information or an argument is particularly relevant and directly related to the topic at hand. It's suitable for formal writing and discussions.

Common error

Avoid using "is germane" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is relevant" or "is related" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is germane" functions as a predicate adjective, indicating that a subject possesses the quality of being relevant or pertinent. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. For example, "Every piece of every candidate's public record... is 'germane to the presidency'."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

32%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is germane" effectively communicates the relevance of something to a particular subject. As Ludwig AI underlines, this grammatically correct expression sees prevalent use across news, scientific, and encyclopedic domains. For less formal scenarios, substituting with terms such as "is relevant" may lend a more natural tone. With an expert rating of 4.5, and a high frequency across authoritative sources, "is germane" remains a valuable asset in formal communication, though contextual awareness ensures optimal deployment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is relevant

Replaces "germane" with a more common synonym, reducing formality.

is pertinent

Offers a synonym for "germane", maintaining a similar level of formality and emphasis on direct relevance.

is applicable

Shifts the focus to the idea of being suitable or appropriate for a specific situation.

is related

Indicates a connection or association, which is a broader concept than direct relevance.

is connected

Similar to "is related", but can suggest a stronger or more direct link.

is apropos

Offers a more formal synonym for "relevant", implying perfect suitability to the context.

bears on

Suggests influencing or having an effect on the matter under consideration.

is significant

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of the information to the matter at hand.

is of importance

Highlights the importance of the subject in the context of something else.

has a bearing on

Indicates influence or relevance, often in a more indirect or subtle way.

FAQs

What does "is germane" mean?

"Is germane" means that something is relevant or closely related to the matter at hand. It suggests that the information or argument is important and applicable to the topic being discussed.

How can I use "is germane" in a sentence?

You can use "is germane" to indicate that a particular point or piece of evidence is relevant to the discussion. For example, "The discussion about privacy /s/is+relevant is germane to the new data protection policy."

What are some alternatives to "is germane"?

Some alternatives to "is germane" include "is relevant", "is pertinent", "is applicable", or "is related". The best choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.

Is "is germane" formal or informal?

"Is germane" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In less formal contexts, alternatives such as "is relevant" or "is related" may be more appropriate.