pertain only to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pertain only to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to specify that something is relevant or applicable exclusively to a particular subject or context. Example: "The rules outlined in this document pertain only to employees working in the marketing department."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Some of them pertain only to the really freaky boys".

The New York Times - Arts

Our objections pertain only to research on stem cells derived from embryo cloning.

The New York Times

The criminal charges against Sandusky pertain only to boys named as Victims 1 through 10 in court records.

The New York Times - Sports

And its new powers pertain only to those banks deemed systematically important, a designation determined by political appointees.

The New York Times - Magazine

Pope Benedict XVI has not yet signed the document which would pertain only to candidates for the priesthood, not to those already ordained.

The New York Times

The proposed changes pertain only to elementary and middle schools; proposals to change the high school report cards will be released next month.

The New York Times

If I've bought a co-op apartment "as is," doesn't that pertain only to the interior of the apartment and not to the structure itself?

The New York Times

They maintain that the courts' recent rulings on this matter are narrowly drawn, and that they pertain only to Argentina, which has a unique, decades-long history of recalcitrance.

The New Yorker

The First Circuit case, and several other cases moving through the courts, pertain only to one piece of the anti-gay marriage law, known as Section 3, which defines marriage as being between one man and one woman.

The New York Times

"Equal justice for all" is a phrase prominently displayed in many of our country's courthouses; it doesn't exclude immigrants, and it certainly shouldn't pertain only to cases decided before 2010.

The New York Times

That's partly because Gill, and several other cases moving through the courts, pertain only to one piece of the antimarriage law, known as Section 3, which defines marriage between one man and one woman.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "pertain only to", ensure that the limitation is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify which group, category, or situation the statement is restricted to.

Common error

Avoid using "pertain only to" when the subject matter has broader implications. If the information is relevant beyond the specified scope, consider using phrases like "primarily pertains to" or "is particularly relevant to" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pertain only to" functions as a restrictive modifier, limiting the scope or applicability of a statement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it clarifies that something is relevant or applicable to a specific subject or context, excluding others.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pertain only to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression for specifying that something is exclusively relevant to a particular subject or context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions as a restrictive modifier and is commonly found in formal writing, especially in scientific and news-related contexts. While alternatives like "apply solely to" exist, "pertain only to" is useful when precision and clarity are paramount.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

apply solely to

Emphasizes that something exclusively applies to the specified subject, highlighting the limited scope.

relate exclusively to

Focuses on the exclusive connection or relationship between two things.

concern specifically with

Highlights a particular focus or area of interest, narrowing the subject matter.

relevant solely for

Indicates that something is only applicable or important in a particular context.

limited exclusively to

Stresses the restricted nature of something, showing that it does not extend beyond a defined boundary.

applicable only in

Highlights the conditional nature of something, showing that it is only valid under specific circumstances.

restricted solely for

Indicates that something is controlled and only available for certain cases.

deals exclusively with

Indicates an exclusive action, like the act of handling or treating something.

applies particularly to

Indicates something applies mainly to a certain topic.

belongs exclusively to

Highlights ownership or association with a specific entity.

FAQs

How can I use "pertain only to" in a sentence?

Use "pertain only to" to specify that something is relevant or applicable exclusively to a particular subject or context. For instance, "These regulations "pertain only to" international students."

What are some alternatives to "pertain only to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "apply solely to", "relate exclusively to", or "concern specifically with", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "pertain only to" or "apply only to"?

Both "pertain only to" and "apply only to" are grammatically correct, with the first being more formal. The best choice depends on the context and the desired level of formality. "Pertain only to" emphasizes relevance, while "apply only to" focuses on applicability.

What's the difference between "pertain only to" and "relate only to"?

"Pertain only to" suggests a direct and necessary connection, indicating that the subject is specifically about or relevant to something. "Relate only to" implies a broader connection or association, but can also be used to limit the scope of that relationship.