relevant

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "relevant" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe something that is connected to the matter being discussed. For example: "The results of the study are highly relevant to the topic we are discussing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We may, we may not, decide that it's relevant to put something out there about some of those changes.

The Guardian

Subject to the above, GNMA's liability to you is limited to the fees you have actually paid for the relevant Guardian Masterclass.

The Guardian

"It also signifies the determination to become truly inclusive and relevant to all sections of society that it serves".

The Guardian

Where an individual whose image is featured in a Competition entry is aged less than 18 years the entrant confirms that the parent or guardian of that individual has given the relevant consent.

The Guardian

4. To enter the Competition you must submit your entry to the relevant Guardian Witness assignment, providing an email address by which the photographer of the image can be contacted.

The Guardian

McIntyre said that during legal challenges against the tapes handover Boston-based judge William Young, who read all the relevant interviews, described the project as a "bona fide academic exercise of considerable intellectual merit".

The Guardian

Though each of them had a very distinct reaction to the challenges of making art that seemed honest and relevant to the present moment, it was also true that in talking to the four of them separately, common themes emerged.

The Guardian

Based on research that showed that half of readers read the newspaper in the evening, the aim was to create a title that would be "as relevant at 9am as 9pm".

The Guardian

Her critics will say: Her party is not relevant to the vast majority of voters in the UK.

The Guardian

The docs they are looking for need to have brilliant storytelling and characters, focused on contemporary subjects that are relevant globally and feel very new.

The Guardian

This was particularly relevant to devolution, where Christie's role was crucial in creating an apparently irresistible demand for the delivery of a Scottish parliament.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "relevant", ensure that the connection to the topic is clear and direct. Avoid using it loosely when the relationship is tenuous.

Common error

Avoid using "relevant" as a filler word. Always ensure that what you're describing as "relevant" has a clearly defined and demonstrable connection to the subject matter. Be specific about the nature of the relevance.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "relevant" primarily functions to modify nouns, indicating that they are directly connected, related, or pertinent to a particular subject, context, or situation. As Ludwig AI explains, it highlights a direct relationship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

21%

Science

14%

Less common in

Lifestyle

3%

Opinion

3%

Music

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "relevant" is a versatile adjective used to denote a direct and important connection to a specific topic or context. According to Ludwig AI, the word is correct and usable in written English. With a "very common" frequency, it finds widespread use in news, business, and academic settings. To ensure effective communication, remember to use "relevant" when a clear and demonstrable link exists. Alternatives like "applicable", "pertinent", and "germane" can add nuance, but "relevant" remains a solid choice for emphasizing direct pertinence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

applicable

Emphasizes the direct suitability or appropriateness of something to a particular situation.

pertinent

Highlights the direct relevance and importance of something to a specific matter.

germane

Suggests a close and logical connection to the matter at hand.

appropriate

Indicates that something is suitable or fitting for a particular purpose or situation.

suitable

Implies that something is right or acceptable for a specific context.

related

Indicates a connection or association, but may not necessarily imply direct importance.

connected

Highlights the existence of a link or relationship between things.

significant

Emphasizes the importance or consequence of something.

material

Highlights that something is important or essential to a decision or situation.

on-topic

Indicates that something is directly related to the current subject of discussion.

FAQs

How to use "relevant" in a sentence?

Use "relevant" to describe something directly related, connected, or pertinent to a topic. For example, "His experience is "relevant" to this project."

What can I say instead of "relevant"?

You can use alternatives like "applicable", "pertinent", or "germane" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "relevant to" or "relevant for"?

"Relevant to" is generally preferred when indicating a direct relationship. While "relevant for" isn't incorrect, it's less common and can sometimes imply suitability rather than direct connection.

What's the difference between "relevant" and "important"?

"Relevant" means directly related to the matter at hand, while "important" signifies something of great value or consequence. Something can be "relevant" without being particularly important, and vice versa.