is that germane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is that germane" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking if something is relevant or applicable to the current topic or discussion. Example: "Before we proceed, can you clarify if your point is that germane to our main argument?"

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

A tangential but germane observation is that pathogenic microbes have developed an astonishing capacity for host immunointerference.

Arthritis Research and Therapy

What's so surprising about "Our Andromeda" is that it revels in the poetic form in singing, and the strictures of meter, and describing states of being in ways that are germane to the lyric while indulging in that which is missing in all sorts of writing: the imagination.

The New Yorker

What's so surprising about "Our Andromeda" is that it revels in the poetic form — in singing, and the strictures of meter, and describing states of being in ways that are germane to the lyric — while indulging in that which is missing in all sorts of writing: the imagination.

The New Yorker

The catch was that the amendment could come up any time, with no advance warning and no requirement that it be germane to the legislation.

The New York Times

And it is germane that women of all races face a specific kind of public sexual humiliation for reporting their abuse at the hands of those with power over their employment.

The New York Times

Shriver, who served for eight years on the Santa Monica City Council, counters that local experience is more germane, that the best ideas germinate from the ground up.

Los Angeles Times

But economist Olivier Blanchard just released an analysis that is so germane to issues of great importance to economies across the globe that attention must be paid.

The Washington Post

This raises another agenda for the pope, one that is more germane to his trip.

The New York Times

"In refusing to settle for long on such a limiting tactic, she presents an understanding of the problematics of a contingent self that is particularly germane today".

The New York Times - Arts

"It's quite rare, but we see it from time to time: peripheral polyneuritis, and the only aspect of your recent history that is probably germane is your recent cold".

The Guardian - Music

Another one that is quite germane is economic impact.

Alzheimer's Research and Therapy

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is that germane" when you want to inquire whether a particular piece of information, argument, or point is relevant and significantly related to the topic under discussion. It's suitable in formal settings where precision is valued.

Common error

Avoid using "is that germane" in casual conversations or informal writing. The formality of "germane" can sound stilted or pretentious in everyday contexts; opt for simpler alternatives like "is that relevant" or "does that matter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is that germane" primarily functions as an interrogative expression used to question the relevance or pertinence of a statement, question, or piece of information within a given context. It seeks to establish whether something is significantly related and applicable to the topic at hand. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is that germane" serves as a formal inquiry into the relevance of a particular point or piece of information. While grammatically sound, as noted by Ludwig AI, its formality makes it more suitable for academic, scientific, or professional contexts where precision and direct relevance are valued. Simpler alternatives like "is that relevant" may be more appropriate in casual settings. Given its infrequency, mindful consideration of context is key to using this phrase effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is that relevant

Replaces "germane" with a more common synonym, focusing directly on relevance.

is that pertinent

Substitutes "germane" with "pertinent", offering a formal alternative that also emphasizes direct relevance.

is that applicable

Focuses on whether something can be applied to the situation at hand.

is that appropriate

Examines whether something fits well or is suitable for the context.

is that connected

Checks if there's a link or relationship to the current topic.

does that relate

Asks if something has a bearing on the matter being discussed.

is that material

Emphasizes whether the information is significant and likely to influence a decision.

is that significant

Asks if something has a substantial impact or importance.

does that matter

This option questions whether something holds importance or has an effect.

is that of consequence

Highlights whether something carries importance or significance.

FAQs

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

Use "is that germane" to inquire about the relevance of something to a particular topic. For example, "Before we proceed, is your point "that relevant" to our main argument?"

What can I say instead of "is that germane"?

You can use alternatives like "is that relevant", "is that pertinent", or "does that matter" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is that germane" or "is that german"?

"Is that germane" means 'is that relevant'. "German" refers to the language or people of Germany, so "is that german" doesn't make sense in most contexts where relevance is being questioned.

What's the difference between "is that germane" and "is that relevant"?

"Is that germane" and "is that relevant" are often interchangeable, but "germane" carries a slightly more formal tone, suggesting a direct and significant relationship to the matter at hand.