it has to do with

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it has to do with" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in both spoken and written English.
For example, you could say, "The reason I'm late is that it has to do with an issue at work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, it has to do with governance.

The Economist

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

The New York Times

"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

It has to do with expedience.

The New York Times - Food

"It has to do with culture.

The New York Times

It has to do with metaphor.

The New York Times - Arts

It has to do with adaptability.

The New York Times

"It has to do with physical health.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it has to do with", ensure that the connection you are drawing is clear and direct. Avoid vague statements by specifying the 'it' and the element it relates to.

Common error

Avoid stringing multiple clauses together with "it has to do with". Break down complex sentences into simpler statements for improved clarity and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it has to do with" functions as a linking phrase, establishing a connection or relevance between two subjects or ideas. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it has to do with" is a grammatically correct and very common expression used to establish a connection or relationship between two elements. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, academic, and business contexts. While versatile, ensuring clarity and avoiding overuse in overly complex sentences will enhance its effectiveness. Alternatives like "it relates to" or "it concerns" can offer more precise ways to express the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it relates to

Changes the verb to 'relates' for a more direct connection.

it concerns

Uses 'concerns' to highlight the subject matter involved.

it is connected to

Emphasizes the link or association between elements.

it is relevant to

Highlights the pertinence or applicability of something.

it pertains to

Offers a more formal way to express relevance or connection.

it is associated with

Focuses on the relationship or link between items.

it involves

Indicates that something is a part or aspect of the matter.

it bears on

Suggests an influence or impact on the situation.

it is implicated in

Implies involvement or a role in something, often with negative connotations.

it hinges on

Indicates that the outcome or result depends on a particular factor.

FAQs

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

You can use "it has to do with" to indicate a relationship or connection between two things. For example, "The delay "it has to do with" the weather".

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

Alternatives include phrases like "it relates to", "it concerns", or "it is connected to", which can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

Is it correct to say "it has to do with" in formal writing?

Yes, "it has to do with" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more precise alternatives like "it pertains to" or "it is relevant to" for enhanced clarity and sophistication.

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

"It has to do with" suggests a relationship or connection, while "it is about" indicates the main subject or topic. For example, "The problem "it has to do with" funding" implies funding is a contributing factor, whereas "The problem "it is about" funding" suggests funding is the central issue.