pertain
C1Formal
Definition
Meaning
To be appropriate, related, or applicable to something.
To belong to or be connected with something, either as a part, a consequence, or a relevant attribute.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily used as a linking verb, often followed by 'to'. Implies a relationship of relevance, belonging, or appropriateness. It is more formal than synonyms like 'relate to' or 'concern'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Equally formal in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American academic and legal writing, but the difference is marginal.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
VERB + to + NOUN PHRASE (The evidence pertains to the case.)NOUN + pertaining + to + NOUN PHRASE (documents pertaining to the sale)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “As pertaining to (formal, as in 'the laws as pertaining to copyright')”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in formal reports and contracts. 'The confidentiality clause pertains to all employees.'
Academic
Common in research papers to specify scope. 'This chapter pertains to the methodological framework.'
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation. Might be used humorously to sound formal. 'Does your comment pertain to this discussion?'
Technical
Frequent in legal, scientific, and technical documentation to define applicability. 'Safety protocols pertaining to biohazards must be followed.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The regulations only pertain to commercial vehicles.
- Do you have any files pertaining to the old planning application?
American English
- These safety standards pertain to all manufacturing facilities.
- We reviewed the documents pertaining to the merger.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher explained the rules that pertain to the exam.
- This map shows information pertaining to the city centre.
- The inquiry will examine all evidence pertaining to the financial transaction.
- Laws pertaining to data privacy have become much stricter.
- The philosopher's later writings pertain more to ethics than metaphysics.
- Any privileges pertaining to his former office were immediately revoked.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a pen that only writes on its OWN paper; it PERTAINS to that paper. It belongs/relates specifically to it.
Conceptual Metaphor
BELONGING IS BEING ATTACHED / RELEVANCE IS CONNECTION (e.g., 'The file is attached to the case' -> 'The information pertains to the case').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'принадлежать' in the sense of physical possession. It's closer to 'касаться', 'иметь отношение', 'относиться'.
- Do not confuse with 'obtain' (получать).
Common Mistakes
- Using without 'to' (Incorrect: 'This document pertains the agreement.' Correct: '...pertains to the agreement.').
- Using in overly casual contexts where 'about' or 'relate to' would be more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'pertain' used correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a formal word (C1 level) most common in academic, legal, business, and technical writing. In everyday speech, people usually say 'relate to' or 'concern'.
Almost never in modern English. The verb is almost always followed by the preposition 'to' (e.g., pertains to, pertaining to).
'Belong' often implies ownership or membership within a group (e.g., 'This book belongs to me'). 'Pertain' implies relevance or connection (e.g., 'This chapter pertains to biology'). They are not direct synonyms.
No, there is no direct noun form. To express the concept, you would use 'relevance', 'pertinence', or 'applicability'.