pertain to

USAGE SUMMARY

"pertain to" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular subject, often in the context of a discussion or a description of a particular situation. For example, "The discussion pertains to the issue of public transportation in our city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It doesn't pertain to them.

The New York Times - Sports

Other nascent uses pertain to music festivals.

The Guardian - Books

The Jets' problems pertain to player personnel.

The New York Times

"And that doesn't just pertain to him".

The New York Times - Sports

Many of the museum's exhibits pertain to local nautical history.

The New Yorker

It does not pertain to matters of historical judgment.

The New York Times

The recent scandals pertain to events that predate her tenure.

The Economist

Could it pertain to disgust, a burgeoning field of research?

The New York Times

Similar results pertain to the other countries in the analysis.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Information does not pertain to any specific industry or business.

Forbes

The results described up to now pertain to the deg.

The Journal of Mathematical Neuroscience

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, ensure that "pertain to" is followed by a specific and clearly defined subject to maintain precision and avoid ambiguity. For example, "These regulations pertain to environmental safety standards."

Common error

Avoid using "pertain to" in excessively general contexts where the connection is vague or tenuous. Instead, opt for more direct and specific language to clarify the relationship. For example, instead of "This information pertains to things", specify "This information is relevant to data analysis techniques".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "pertain to" functions as a linking verb phrase, indicating a relationship or relevance between two subjects. It's often used to specify the scope or applicability of a statement, document, or discussion, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

11%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "pertain to" is a versatile and frequently used expression that indicates relevance or connection. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. While it appears most commonly in scientific and news-related content, it is also suitable for formal business settings. For less formal situations, consider using alternatives like ""relate to"" or "have to do with". Remember to use "pertain to" with a clearly defined subject to avoid ambiguity and maintain clarity in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relate to

Expresses a direct connection or association, similar to "pertain to" but potentially implying a stronger link or influence.

apply to

Suggests that something is relevant or has an effect on a specific situation or entity, differing slightly in that it emphasizes application rather than mere relevance.

refer to

Indicates that something is about or connected to a particular topic. It focuses on the act of referencing rather than the inherent relevance.

concern

Implies a matter of importance or relevance to someone or something. This is a more concise synonym.

be relevant to

Explicitly states the relevance of something to a specific subject, offering a more descriptive alternative.

be applicable to

Highlights the practical application or suitability of something in a given context, shifting the focus to usability.

have a bearing on

Suggests that something has an influence or effect on a particular outcome, implying a causal relationship.

bear upon

A more formal way of saying "have a bearing on", indicating relevance or influence.

be connected with

Emphasizes a link or association between two or more things, focusing on the relationship itself.

have to do with

A more informal way of expressing a connection or relationship, suitable for casual contexts.

FAQs

What does "pertain to" mean?

"Pertain to" means to relate to, concern, or have a connection with something. It indicates relevance or applicability in a particular context.

How do I use "pertain to" in a sentence?

Use "pertain to" when you want to indicate that something relates to a specific subject or topic. For example, "The new guidelines "relate to" employee conduct."

What can I say instead of "pertain to"?

You can use alternatives like ""relate to"", "apply to", or "concern" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "pertain to" or "relevant to"?

Both "pertain to" and "relevant to" are correct. "Pertain to" is slightly more formal. Choose the one that best fits the tone and context of your writing.