not relevant

USAGE SUMMARY

"not relevant" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you want to express that something is unrelated or not pertinent to the topic at hand. For example, "The data were collected from a survey, but the results were not relevant to the findings we were looking for."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's not relevant.

The New York Times

Labour are not relevant.

The Guardian

It's not relevant anymore.

The New York Times

"Not relevant," she responded.

The New Yorker

"That's not relevant". Right.

The New York Times

City is not relevant.

The Guardian - Sport

The rest is not relevant.

Independent

That's not relevant to everyone".

The Guardian - Business

Now, "it's not relevant.

The Washington Post

It was not relevant to our readers".

The New Yorker

Gender was not relevant in the Xenaverse.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "not relevant" to clearly and concisely dismiss information that does not contribute to the current discussion or analysis. This helps maintain focus and prevents unnecessary tangents.

Common error

Avoid using "not relevant" abruptly without explanation. Instead, briefly explain why the information is "not relevant" to avoid appearing dismissive or uninformed. Provide context to ensure clarity and maintain a productive dialogue.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not relevant" functions as an adjectival phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating that the subject is unrelated or unimportant in a given context. It is commonly used to dismiss information or arguments that do not contribute to the main point.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

20%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "not relevant" is a commonly used and grammatically sound adjectival phrase that serves to dismiss unrelated or unimportant information across a variety of contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely understood and used to maintain focus in discussions and analyses. It appears most frequently in News & Media and Scientific sources, showing its broad applicability. While largely interchangeable with synonyms like "irrelevant" or "inapplicable", it's important to provide context when using "not relevant" to avoid appearing dismissive. Using this guidance will ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

irrelevant

A direct synonym, emphasizing a lack of connection or importance.

not pertinent

Stresses the lack of direct and clear relevance to the subject.

not applicable

Focuses on the lack of suitability or fitness for a specific purpose or situation.

immaterial

Focuses on the lack of significance or consequence.

inapplicable

Emphasizes that something does not apply or is not suitable in a particular situation.

inconsequential

Emphasizes the lack of importance or significance.

unrelated

Highlights the absence of a connection or association.

beside the point

Indicates that something is off-topic or not directly related to the main issue.

unconnected

Highlights the absence of a link or relationship.

off-topic

Indicates a departure from the current subject or discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "not relevant" in a sentence?

You can use "not relevant" to indicate that something is unrelated or unimportant to the current topic. For example, "That statistic is /s/not+relevant to our analysis because it pertains to a different demographic."

What are some alternatives to "not relevant"?

Alternatives include "irrelevant", "immaterial", or "inapplicable", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "not relevant" or "irrelevant"?

"Not relevant" and "irrelevant" are largely interchangeable. The choice depends on personal preference and the specific tone you want to convey. "Not relevant" might sound slightly less formal.

What's the difference between "not relevant" and "not applicable"?

"Not relevant" means something is unrelated to the topic. "Not applicable" means something doesn't apply or isn't suitable for a particular situation. For example, a question about marital status would be "not applicable" to a child, but a discussion of tax policy might be /s/not+relevant to a conversation about gardening.