that pertains to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that pertains to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a relationship or relevance to a particular subject or topic. Example: "The report includes several sections that pertain to the financial performance of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That pertains to offenders convicted of crimes as serious as murder, such as Monroe.

The Guardian

That pertains to the OSEs, the public cloud fabric and on-premises networking equipment.

Forbes

Any experience that pertains to the job you seek is worth including on your résumé.

Forbes

Every night there are moments in specific songs when I think of something that pertains to my life.

BBC

That pertains to writing, as well.

HuffPost

That pertains to writing or anything else.

HuffPost

That pertains to local customers and those who are travelling.

Huffington Post

Beating myself up will not help me, but doing something nice for myself that pertains to self-care will.

HuffPost

Often they get away without being forced to disclose their proprietary data that pertains to public safety.

HuffPost

I feel bad about the disordered eating, as I feel bad about everything that pertains to me.

Vice

That pertains to my relationship with my family, friends, the environment we occupy, and the world we live in.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, consider using the more common alternative "that relates to" for better readability.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "that pertains to" can sound overly formal in casual writing. Opt for alternatives like "that's about" or "that concerns" to maintain a natural tone in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that pertains to" functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun or noun phrase by specifying a particular area or subject to which something is connected or relevant. Ludwig AI confirms its role in establishing a direct association or connection. For example, "data that pertains to public safety."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the relative clause "that pertains to" serves to establish a direct connection or relevance between a subject and a specific area, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions to specify and clarify the focus of a statement, most frequently appearing in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. While grammatically correct and versatile, it’s important to consider the formality of the setting and choose more casual alternatives when appropriate. Ludwig's examples highlight its usage across diverse fields, underscoring its importance in precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

that relates to

Slightly more direct and common; emphasizes a connection or association.

that is relevant to

Highlights the importance or applicability of something to a given subject.

that applies to

Focuses on the applicability or bearing of something on a specific situation.

that refers to

Emphasizes the act of directing attention or making reference to something.

that concerns

Indicates a direct involvement or impact on a particular subject.

that is connected to

Highlights a link or relationship between two or more things.

that is associated with

Focuses on the common occurrence or linkage of something with a particular subject.

that bears on

Implies a significant influence or relevance to a matter under consideration.

that has to do with

Informal way of indicating a connection or association.

that touches on

Suggests briefly mentioning or addressing a subject.

FAQs

How can I use "that pertains to" in a sentence?

Use "that pertains to" to connect a subject with something directly relevant or related to it. For example, "The new regulation only affects businesses "that pertains to" the food industry."

What are some alternatives to "that pertains to"?

You can use alternatives such as "that relates to", "that is relevant to", or "that applies to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "that pertains to" and "that relates to"?

While similar, "that pertains to" is often considered more formal and specific. "That relates to" is a broader term that indicates a general connection, whereas "that pertains to" suggests a direct and significant relevance.

Is it better to use "that pertains to" or "which pertains to"?

In most cases, "that pertains to" is preferred because it introduces a restrictive clause, providing essential information. "Which pertains to" can be used, but typically with commas, indicating a non-restrictive clause that adds extra, non-essential information.