it pertains to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it pertains to' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate a relationship or connection between two different things. For example, "This study pertains to the effects of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"That's unofficial geometry, since it pertains to a private enterprise".

The New Yorker

"I don't think so, at least as it pertains to the four federal banking agencies".

The New York Times

This museum legally belongs to Cuba, but morally it pertains to the United States".

The New York Times - Books

Little about the above is impressive as it pertains to Lionel Shriver.

The Guardian - Books

Zito also said there's not enough research regarding soundness as it pertains to synthetics vs. dirt.

The New York Times

This aesthetic, particularly as it pertains to the tea ceremony, is sometimes called wabi-sabi.

The New York Times - Arts

But Smith has a C.I.A. operative's obsession with secrecy as it pertains to Bears football.

The New York Times - Sports

Jeremy Lin taught us not to assume too much, especially as it pertains to Jeremy Lin.

The New York Times - Sports

"It pertains to the reform of the church, not just of the Curia," he said.

The New York Times

"The Arbor" contests the ideal of authenticity as it pertains to cinematic representation.

The New York Times

It pertains to the next book I'm working on, about adventurer-explorers in Alaska.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it pertains to" to clearly establish the scope and relevance of a particular topic or subject within a broader discussion. It's particularly useful in formal writing where precision is important.

Common error

Avoid using "it pertains to" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it's about" or "it relates to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it pertains to" functions as a linking phrase, establishing a connection between a subject and a related topic. As Ludwig AI states, it indicates a relationship or connection between two different things. It's commonly used to specify the scope or relevance of something.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it pertains to" is a useful connector for establishing relevance between different topics, as Ludwig AI confirms. With a very common frequency, it's primarily used in News & Media and Science, lending itself to neutral to formal writing. While grammatically sound, be mindful of your audience and context, opting for simpler language in informal situations. Use "it relates to", "it refers to", and "it concerns" to enrich your writing and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it relates to

Changes the verb to 'relates' offering a more general connection.

it refers to

Substitutes 'pertains' with 'refers' indicating a direct reference.

it concerns

Replaces the entire phrase with 'it concerns' for brevity and directness.

it applies to

Uses 'applies' to show the phrase is relevant in a particular context.

it is relevant to

Adds 'is relevant' to emphasize the importance of the connection.

it has to do with

Replaces 'pertains' with a more colloquial 'has to do with'.

it is connected to

Focuses on the connection aspect of the relationship.

it bears on

Uses the more formal 'bears on' to indicate influence or relevance.

it touches on

Indicates that the subject is briefly mentioned or considered.

it is associated with

Shows a correlation or link between the items.

FAQs

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

Use "it pertains to" to indicate a direct relationship or relevance between two subjects. For example, "This research it pertains to the effects of social media on teenagers".

What are some alternatives to "it pertains to"?

You can use alternatives such as "it relates to", "it refers to", or "it concerns" depending on the specific context.

Is "it pertains to" formal or informal?

"It pertains to" is generally considered a formal phrase. In more casual settings, phrases like "it has to do with" or "it's about" might be more appropriate.

How does "it pertains to" differ from "it applies to"?

"It pertains to" indicates a general relevance or relationship, while "it applies to" suggests that something is directly relevant or applicable in a specific situation or context.