it was relevant to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was relevant to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the significance or importance of a particular topic or piece of information in relation to something else. Example: "The research findings were significant because it was relevant to the ongoing debate about climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Mark Carney, the governor, told MPs the MPC would comment on the referendum in the minutes if it was relevant to its inflation target.

The Guardian - Business

"I wasn't sure it was relevant to us," she said.

The New York Times

"I wasn't submitting this evidence because it was relevant to the decision," he said.

The Guardian

"We didn't think it was relevant to the AWE offering," Mr. Armstrong said.

The New York Times

Despite his supervisors insisting it was relevant to his research, the university informed the police.

The Guardian

The Results Students were engaged in this topic because it was relevant to their age group.

The New York Times

They were looking at a Roman villa, so it was relevant to the Roman religion part of the course.

The Guardian

I mentioned race or ethnicity – including that of white characters – when it was relevant to the story.

The Guardian - Books

She understood that Haggis was upset about the way Proposition 8 had affected his gay daughters, but she didn't think it was relevant to Scientology.

The New Yorker

His amendment was debated at night in a few minutes, and only one MP queried whether it was relevant to the debate.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though his stance on equal marriage had been made public through his donation, Eich said he did not believe it was relevant to his role at Mozilla, and said the organisation's own code of conduct precluded him discussing his views.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was relevant to" to clearly establish the connection between two separate elements or ideas within your writing. This ensures clarity and helps the reader understand the significance of the information presented.

Common error

Avoid using "it was relevant to" repeatedly in a single paragraph. Vary your language by using synonyms like "it pertained to" or "it was applicable to" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was relevant to" functions as a connector, indicating a relationship or applicability between two elements. As confirmed by Ludwig, it serves to establish the significance of something in relation to something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

34%

News & Media

55%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was relevant to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote a relationship or applicability between two entities. According to Ludwig, this expression is valid and usable in written English. It appears predominantly in scientific, news and media, and formal business contexts. While other options like "it was pertinent to" or "it was applicable to" exist as alternatives, "it was relevant to" serves as a versatile connector. Avoiding overuse and ensuring clarity are key when incorporating this phrase into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was pertinent to

This alternative suggests a slightly more formal and direct sense of relevance.

it pertained to

This suggests a direct and specific connection to the subject.

it was applicable to

This suggests that something could be applied or used in a particular situation.

it was germane to

This option implies a close and logical connection to the matter at hand.

it was related to

This is a more general term indicating a connection or association.

it was connected to

Similar to "related to", this suggests a link or relationship.

it had a bearing on

This suggests that something influenced or affected the situation.

it bore upon

This suggests influence or impact, often in a more formal context.

it was associated with

This option indicates a correlation or link between two things.

it concerned

This focuses on the subject or matter being discussed or affected.

FAQs

How can I use "it was relevant to" in a sentence?

Use "it was relevant to" to show a connection or importance between two things. For example, "The evidence presented was relevant to the case."

What are some alternatives to "it was relevant to"?

You can use alternatives like "it was pertinent to", "it was applicable to", or "it was germane to" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "it was relevant to" and "it was important to"?

"It was relevant to" emphasizes the connection or applicability of something, while "it was important to" emphasizes the significance or necessity. They are similar but not interchangeable.

When is it appropriate to use "it was relevant to" in academic writing?

Use "it was relevant to" in academic writing when you need to clearly establish how one piece of information relates to another or how it supports your argument. For example, "The study's findings were relevant to the broader discussion of climate change."