What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pertaining
Example
The rules pertaining to the use of this equipment are clearly stated in the manual. [pertaining: verb]
Example
The report contains information pertaining to the company's financial performance. [pertaining: present participle]
relate
Example
The article relates the history of the town from its founding to the present day. [relates: verb]
Example
I can relate to how you feel, having gone through a similar experience myself. [relate: verb]
Example
She related the story of her travels to the group gathered around the campfire. [related: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Relate is more commonly used than pertaining in everyday language. Relate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while pertaining is more specific and often used in formal or technical writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pertaining and relate?
Pertaining is typically associated with a formal or technical tone, while relate can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
