were pertinent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were pertinent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was relevant or applicable in a particular context or situation in the past. Example: "The documents we reviewed during the meeting were pertinent to our discussion on project timelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Events in Belfast were pertinent as Scotland capitulated in London.

The Guardian - Sport

But he, too, questioned whether the mouse studies were pertinent for humans.

The New York Times - Science

The tour guide's comments were pertinent, not over-reverent, illuminating even to the most seasoned Beatles aficionado.

The Guardian - Travel

Your reference seems to pertain to Bill Clinton's so-called sexual misconduct, as if that were pertinent.

The New York Times

With Control, we had long conversations; we talked about things that were pertinent to her life, and we put those into song.

The Guardian - Music

He noted that the tapes were pertinent to litigation pending at the time that the agency destroyed them, including an A.C.L.U.

The New York Times

In a brief letter to congressional leaders on Friday, 11 days before the election, Comey said he did not yet know whether the newly discovered emails were pertinent or significant.

The Guardian

It took as its subject matter issues that were pertinent to American life in the 1970s, featuring stories about agnosticism, rape, radical politics, racism, impotence, and a host of other previously forbidden topics.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The leader of Italy's largest opposition party, the Democratic Party, said he was willing to come to the table and discuss reforms as long as they were pertinent to the populace.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

These recommendations are pertinent.

The New York Times

Her profession is pertinent.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "were pertinent", ensure the context clearly establishes what the subject is relevant to. This makes the connection unambiguous for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "were pertinent" in overly casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "relevant" or "important" may be more appropriate and less stilted.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "were pertinent" is to act as a predicate adjective, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate that something was relevant or important in a specific context. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

56%

News & Media

27%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were pertinent" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, particularly in formal and scientific writing, to highlight the relevance and significance of information. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys that certain details are important and applicable to a specific context. While alternatives like "were relevant" or "were applicable" exist, "were pertinent" adds a layer of emphasis. Overuse in informal settings should be avoided, but in appropriate contexts, it's a valuable tool for clear and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were relevant

Direct synonym, emphasizing the connection to the matter at hand.

were applicable

Highlights the suitability or fitness for a specific situation or purpose.

were germane

Similar to relevant, but often suggests a closer, more natural connection.

were material

Indicates importance and influence, especially in legal or formal contexts.

were significant

Focuses on the importance or consequence of something.

were related

Highlights a connection or association, but may lack the implication of importance.

were connected

Similar to 'related', emphasizing a link or association.

were appropriate

Suggests suitability for a particular context or purpose.

were fitting

Implies a good match or correspondence with something else.

were on-topic

Emphasizes relevance to the current subject of discussion.

FAQs

How can I use "were pertinent" in a sentence?

The phrase "were pertinent" is used to describe information, facts, or details that are relevant and important to a particular subject or situation. For example, "The details she shared "were pertinent" to the case, offering a new perspective on the events."

What are some alternatives to "were pertinent"?

You can use alternatives like "were relevant", "were applicable", or "were germane", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "were pertinent" and "were relevant"?

While "were pertinent" and "were relevant" are often interchangeable, "were pertinent" can sometimes imply a more direct and crucial connection to the matter at hand.

In what contexts is "were pertinent" most suitable?

The phrase "were pertinent" is suitable for formal writing, academic papers, and professional reports where precision and a strong sense of relevance are needed. It's commonly used in science, news, and encyclopedic contexts.