is germane to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is germane to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is relevant or applicable to a particular subject or situation. Example: "The research findings are germane to our understanding of climate change and its effects on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Distortion is germane to a discussion of Schulz.

The Guardian - Books

Neither point is germane to the portrait's accuracy.

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

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

It's a question of editing, and of Schumer's finding the freedom to explore what is germane to her.

The New Yorker

This special character of the Barnes is germane to debates about "reception theory" in art history and "relational aesthetics" in performance-based art.

The New Yorker

Much of the ensemble's target audience will figure out its meaning relatively quickly: it is germane to both the repertory and the performance style the group has adopted.

The New York Times - Arts

"Anyone who is germane to the review is going to be called, and when they are called they are going to testify under oath".

The New York Times

Every one of these concerns is germane to AIG.AIG has a stockmarket valuation of $190 billion, making it second among financial companies only to Citigroup's $225 billion.

The Economist

Before probing an employee's thoughts, particularly those involving off-the-job ideas, an employer must be certain the research is germane to actual work.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is germane to" when you want to emphasize the direct relevance and importance of a particular piece of information to a specific topic. It adds a touch of formality to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "is germane to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "is relevant to" or "applies to" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is germane to" functions as a linking verb phrase, connecting a subject to a predicate adjective that describes its relevance or pertinence. Ludwig provides examples of its use in diverse contexts, from legal to scientific, to denote something's direct connection or importance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

35%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is germane to" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to indicate relevance or applicability. Ludwig AI affirms its correct usage across varied contexts, primarily in News & Media and Science. While formal in tone, it’s crucial to reserve it for situations where direct relevance needs emphasis, opting for simpler alternatives in casual settings. By considering the context and target audience, writers can effectively employ "is germane to" to enhance clarity and precision. Remember that several alternatives exists and are available in this guide, such as "is relevant to" or "is pertinent to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is relevant to

Focuses on direct relevance, a more common and less formal alternative.

is applicable to

Emphasizes the ability to be applied to a specific situation or context.

is pertinent to

Stresses the direct and clear connection to the matter at hand.

is related to

Indicates a broader connection or association, not necessarily direct relevance.

is connected to

Highlights a link or relationship, which can be less direct than relevance.

bears on

A more concise way of saying that something has an influence or relevance.

has a bearing on

More emphatic than 'bears on', also implies relevance or influence.

is significant to

Highlights the importance of something in relation to a particular subject.

pertains to

Indicates a specific connection or relationship, often used in legal or formal contexts.

concerns

A more general term indicating the subject or topic that something relates to.

FAQs

What does "is germane to" mean?

The phrase "is germane to" means relevant or closely related to a subject. It indicates that something is pertinent and important to the matter at hand.

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

You can use "is germane to" to show the relevance of something to a particular topic. For example: "The evidence presented "is germane to" the case."

What are some alternatives to "is germane to"?

Alternatives to "is germane to" include "is relevant to", "is applicable to", and "is pertinent to". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "is germane to" formal or informal?

"Is germane to" is generally considered a more formal expression. In casual settings, using phrases like "is relevant to" or "applies to" might be more appropriate.