it pertained to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it pertained to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that is relevant or related to a particular subject or topic. Example: "The discussion during the meeting was focused on the new policies, and it pertained to employee benefits."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Since the New Jersey court ordered the state to revamp its formula only as it pertained to the poorest districts, middle-class districts there have complained that the rulings neglected their needs.

The New York Times

The Lakers and the Heat fielded questions for weeks about the holiday matchup, playing down the game as it pertained to the season but understanding its magnitude.

The New York Times - Sports

The exchange between Fallon and the individual at the DoJ occurred two months before the FBI opened its probe into Clinton's emails, and it pertained to information that was publicly available.

The Guardian

In addition, he said the commission screened every report to make sure it contained certain core information and that it pertained to the safety of the product, not its performance.

The New York Times

It pertained to the lower house, the Chamber of Deputies.

The New York Times

But Manning knew the letter of the law as it pertained to this particular play.

The New York Times - Sports

But Mr. Katz's most frequent subject was the Holocaust, especially as it pertained to Italy.

The New York Times - Arts

The Jaguars anticipated a changing of the guard in 2008, but as it pertained to the configuration of the A.F.C.

The New York Times - Sports

She explained that it pertained to a trip to Maine she took with her husband last year.

The New Yorker

As a black woman, I was interested in studying harassment as it pertained to African-American women.

The New York Times

They also represent "Hollywood's glimpse of the westward movement in full swing," he added, "particularly as it pertained to easterners".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it pertained to", ensure the context is clear, avoiding ambiguity about what 'it' refers to. This will prevent misinterpretations.

Common error

Avoid using "it pertained to" when a simpler, more direct phrase like "it concerned" or "it related to" would suffice. Overusing formal language can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it pertained to" functions as a prepositional phrase clarifying the relevance or applicability of a statement or action. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it pertained to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for specifying relevance or applicability. As Ludwig AI confirms, its function is primarily to clarify the scope or context of a statement. While versatile, it is more suited to neutral or slightly formal contexts. Alternatives like "it related to" or "it concerned" can be used for simpler expressions. Use "it pertained to" to maintain clarity and precision, especially in written communication. "It pertained to" appears often in News & Media.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it related to

Simple substitution of 'pertained' with 'related', maintaining the core meaning of relevance.

it was relevant to

Directly states the relevance of something to a particular subject.

it concerned

Replaces 'pertained to' with 'concerned', focusing on the subject matter being addressed.

it applied to

Emphasizes the applicability of something to a specific situation or context.

it referred to

Highlights the act of referencing a particular topic or item.

it was connected to

Focuses on the connection or link between two or more things.

it bore upon

A more formal alternative, suggesting a direct relevance or impact.

it had to do with

A more casual way of expressing relevance or connection.

it was about

Simplifies the phrase to indicate the topic or subject matter.

it touched on

Suggests a brief or indirect mention of a topic.

FAQs

How can I use "it pertained to" in a sentence?

You can use "it pertained to" to specify the area or subject to which something is related or relevant. For example, "The discussion during the meeting focused on the new policies, and "it pertained to" employee benefits".

What are some alternatives to "it pertained to"?

You can use alternatives such as "it related to", "it concerned", or "it applied to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it pertained to" formal or informal?

"It pertained to" is generally considered a more formal phrase. In casual conversation, simpler alternatives like "it was about" or "it had to do with" might be more appropriate.

Which is more precise, "it related to" or "it pertained to"?

"It pertained to" often implies a more direct and specific relevance than "it related to". While both indicate a connection, "it pertained to" suggests a closer, more pertinent link to the subject at hand.