pertaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'pertaining' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it in a sentence to indicate that something relates to, or is connected to, something else. For example: The report pertains to the issue of climate change.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Another Hollywood Reporter poll dredged up a surprising bunch of stats, pertaining to how the voters actually watch the movies – indeed, if they watch them at all.

The Guardian - Film

The trouble is that issues pertaining to north of the border are almost totally irrelevant in the 2011 Irish general election.

The Guardian

"The circumstance that torn-up current medical certificates – also pertaining to the day of the act – were found, supports, after preliminary examination, the assumption that the deceased hid his illness from his employer and his professional circles".

The Guardian

It is not the role of AAP to assess stories, but I wonder how many wire stories reported on other statements made in estimates, perhaps pertaining to Australia's position on foreign policy or the budget?

The Guardian - Opinion

At first it was suggested that Morgan will attend all cabinet meetings, only to discover later that Morgan will only attend when issues pertaining to her brief are on the agenda.

The Guardian

The Occupy Movement's tents may have been cleared away in December but earlier this year thousands of peaceful demonstrators took to the streets again to protest against the government's unveiling of proposed reforms which have been criticised as pertaining to a "fake democracy".

The Guardian

That said, the article did raise questions for me other than those pertaining to JLaw's violation.

The Guardian

"CPD [Chicago police department] abides by all laws, rules and guidelines pertaining to any interviews of suspects or witnesses, at Homan Square or any other CPD facility.

The Guardian

"CPD [the Chicago police department] abides by all laws, rules and guidelines pertaining to any interviews of suspects or witnesses, at Homan Square or any other CPD facility.

The Guardian

Some are against the bank itself, though many are legal orders pertaining to the suspected crimes of others.

The Economist

Songs tagged "jazz" or "blues", for example, had a high frequency of topic H1 (that pertaining to dominant 7ths).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pertaining" when you want to indicate a clear and direct relationship or relevance between two subjects, especially in formal or legal contexts. It adds a sense of precision and authority to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "pertaining" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "relating to" or "about" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

"Pertaining" functions as a present participle or gerund, often used attributively to modify a noun, indicating a relationship or relevance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this term is grammatically correct and widely accepted in various writing styles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

36%

Formal & Business

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pertaining" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term to indicate relevance or connection, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in formal contexts such as news, scientific research, and business communications, it specifies the scope of a subject with precision. While "relating to", "concerning", and "regarding" serve as viable alternatives, "pertaining" maintains a higher degree of formality. It's essential to reserve its use for appropriate contexts, avoiding overuse in casual settings. Ludwig examples showcase the term's versatility across different domains, reinforcing its significance in precise and authoritative writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

relating to

Focuses specifically on the relationship between two subjects.

concerning

Implies a direct relevance or impact on the subject.

regarding

Similar to concerning, but can also introduce a specific topic or issue.

applicable to

Highlights the relevance and suitability of something for a particular situation.

relevant to

Emphasizes the importance and connection of something to a specific subject.

connected to

Suggests a link or association between different elements.

associated with

Highlights the relationship or connection between two or more things.

in connection with

Indicates a direct involvement or relevance to something.

germane to

Stresses that something is particularly fitting or appropriate to the matter at hand.

bearing on

Implies an influence or impact on the subject under discussion.

FAQs

How do I use "pertaining" in a sentence?

Use "pertaining" to show a direct and relevant connection between subjects. For example, "The documents "pertaining to" the case were submitted as evidence."

What phrases can I use instead of "pertaining"?

Alternatives include "relating to", "concerning", and "regarding". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more formal to use "pertaining" rather than "relating to"?

Yes, "pertaining" is generally considered more formal than "relating to". It's often used in legal, academic, or professional settings to convey precision and authority.

When is it inappropriate to use "pertaining"?

Avoid using "pertaining" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious. Simpler alternatives are more suitable in those contexts.