relevance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'relevance' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe how closely something relates to a particular thing or situation. For example, "The relevance of this study to the medical community is clear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On the surface, this might seem as if it has absolutely zero relevance to the average American, who is more worried about whether he's going to outlive his nest egg than whether he'll leave a "legacy" for his children.

The Guardian - Money

McDonald's reinvention of the Hamburglar was seemingly meant as a play for refreshed cultural relevance, but deeply mixed reactions to the new beef thief raise the prospect that the corporation has miscalculated.

The Guardian - Business

With its clean prose, timeless political relevance, and emotional charge, the play was probably one of the few texts capable of engaging the sceptical Scot's interest.

The Guardian - Film

Related: The real-life triumphs of the gay communist behind hit movie Pride Gethin Roberts, played by Andrew Scott in the film, remarked of the importance and relevance of the cause.

The Guardian - Film

With an argument always raging about the relevance of this super-luxe area of fashion – where a made-to-order dress can cost about £100,000 – its territory is being encroached upon by the resort collections, the cheaper and more commercial side of ready-to-wear.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In February, he suggested a slate of works readers could vote for to ensure the Hugos had relevance outside "rarefied, insular halls of 21st-century Worldcon 'fandom'".

The Guardian - Opinion

These are primarily hacks who clawed their way on stage at some point and are now biding their time in minor-media purgatory with the hope that they'll be able to fake-controversy themselves into relevance once more.

The Guardian - Opinion

Athletic began the day a point behind Deportivo, giving this clash added relevance in the race for European places next season.

The Guardian - Sport

Already one spokesperson for the education department has sought to rule out change on typical grounds: the imagined "relevance" to the world as they see it.

The Guardian - Opinion

Journalists don't only 'question' the relevance of an intervention by an NGO, but they also provide an opportunity to communities to understand and be informed about what has been provided as an intervention".

The Guardian

I added that it was particularly important to challenge the relevance of "instrumental arguments" about funding; even more so to insist on the "intrinsic importance of values as a key justification" for arts support.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relevance", clearly define what something is relevant to. Avoid vague statements and specify the context for maximum impact.

Common error

Be cautious about claiming something has "obvious relevance" without providing supporting evidence or explanation. Ensure the connection is clear to your audience.

Linguistic Context

The word "relevance" functions primarily as a noun, denoting the quality or state of being directly connected with and important to something else. As seen in the examples from Ludwig, it often appears as the subject or object of a sentence, indicating the degree to which something is pertinent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "relevance" is a common noun that signifies the quality of being directly connected to something and important to it. Ludwig's AI confirms that "relevance" is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news, business, and scientific domains. To enhance clarity, it's crucial to specify what exactly something is relevant to, avoiding vague or unsupported claims of "obvious relevance". Alternatives like "pertinence", "importance", and "significance" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Effectively employing "relevance" strengthens your writing by highlighting the significance of your points and ensuring your audience understands their importance in the given context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pertinence

Focuses more on the direct connection and applicability.

applicability

Highlights the capacity of being applied or put to practical use.

importance

Emphasizes the significance or value of something.

significance

Stresses the noteworthy quality or impact.

materiality

Highlights the quality of being significant or essential.

bearing

Indicates a connection or influence on a matter.

relationship

Highlights the connection between two or more things.

connection

Focuses on the link or association between things.

usefulness

Highlights the quality of being practical and beneficial.

appropriateness

Stresses the suitability of something for a specific purpose.

FAQs

How to use "relevance" in a sentence?

You can use "relevance" to show the connection between a topic and a specific situation. For example, "The "relevance of this study" to current medical practices is significant".

What can I say instead of "relevance"?

You can use alternatives like "pertinence", "importance", or "significance" depending on the context.

How do you determine the "relevance" of information?

You determine "relevance" by assessing how closely the information relates to the matter at hand, and whether it contributes meaningfully to understanding or resolving it.

What is the difference between "relevance" and "applicability"?

"Relevance" refers to the degree to which something is related or pertinent, while "applicability" refers to its capability of being practically applied.