Appertain vs Pertain: Which One Is The Correct One?

Are you confused about the difference between appertain and pertain? You’re not alone. These two words are often used interchangeably, but there are some subtle differences that are worth exploring.

Let’s clarify which of the two is the proper word to use in different contexts. Generally speaking, “pertain” is the more commonly used term and can be used in a wide range of situations. “Appertain,” on the other hand, is a more formal and archaic word that is rarely used in modern English.

So, what do these words actually mean? “Appertain” refers to something that belongs or relates to something else, while “pertain” simply means to be relevant or applicable to a particular subject or situation.

With that in mind, let’s dive a bit deeper into the nuances of these two words.

Define Appertain

Appertain is a verb that means to belong to or be connected with something, or to be relevant or applicable to a particular subject or topic. It is often used in legal or formal contexts to describe the relationship between things or concepts.

For example, in a legal document, a clause may appertain to a specific section of the law, indicating that it is relevant or connected to that particular section. In a more general sense, a discussion about the history of a particular country may appertain to the broader topic of world history.

Define Pertain

Pertain is also a verb that means to be relevant or related to something, but it is generally used in a more informal or everyday context. It can be used to describe a connection between things or concepts, but it is not typically used in legal or formal writing.

For example, in a conversation about a recent news story, someone might say that the topic pertains to a larger issue of social justice. Similarly, a discussion about a particular recipe might pertain to the broader topic of cooking or food preparation.

Comparison of Appertain vs Pertain

Appertain	Pertain
Used in legal or formal contexts	Used in informal or everyday contexts
Describes a connection between things or concepts	Also describes a connection between things or concepts
Indicates a stronger or more specific connection	Indicates a more general or casual connection

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Using the right words in a sentence is essential to convey your message accurately. Words that sound similar can often be confused, such as appertain and pertain. In this section, we will discuss how to use these two words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use Appertain In A Sentence

The word appertain means to belong to or be connected with something. It is often used in legal or formal contexts.

Here are some examples of how to use appertain in a sentence:

• The rules that appertain to this organization must be followed.
• The rights and privileges that appertain to the position are outlined in the contract.
• These documents appertain to the case and must be submitted to the court.

When using appertain, it is important to make sure that the subject is connected to or belongs to the object. This word is often used in a formal or legal context, so it is important to use it appropriately.

How To Use Pertain In A Sentence

The word pertain means to relate to or be relevant to something. It is often used in a broader context than appertain.

Here are some examples of how to use pertain in a sentence:

• The information presented in this report pertains to the current market trends.
• The discussion in the meeting pertained to the new project proposal.
• The rules that pertain to all employees are outlined in the employee handbook.

When using pertain, it is important to make sure that the subject is relevant to or related to the object. This word is used in a broader context than appertain and can be used in various situations.

By understanding the difference between appertain and pertain, you can use these words correctly in your writing and communication. Remember to consider the context and meaning of each word when using them in a sentence.

More Examples Of Appertain & Pertain Used In Sentences

Understanding how to properly use appertain and pertain in sentences can be challenging. Here are some examples to help clarify their usage:

Examples Of Using Appertain In A Sentence

• The rules of the club appertain to all members.
• The new regulations appertain only to foreign businesses.
• The laws of the state appertain to all residents.
• The dress code appertains to all employees.
• The safety guidelines appertain to all workers in the factory.
• The company policies appertain to all staff members.
• The code of conduct appertains to all students in the school.
• The terms of the contract appertain to both parties involved.
• The requirements appertain to all applicants for the job.
• The standards appertain to all products manufactured by the company.

Examples Of Using Pertain In A Sentence

• The new regulations pertain only to foreign businesses.
• The discussion did not pertain to the main topic of the meeting.
• The question asked did not pertain to the current issue.
• The information presented did not pertain to the case being discussed.
• The report’s findings pertain to the company’s financial situation.
• The article’s content does not pertain to the current events.
• The judge ruled that the evidence did not pertain to the case.
• The discussion will pertain to the upcoming project.
• The lecture will pertain to the history of the city.
• The research conducted will pertain to the effects of climate change.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words appertain and pertain, many people make the mistake of using them interchangeably. However, these two words have distinct meanings that should not be confused. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using appertain and pertain:

Mistake 1: Using Appertain When You Mean Pertain

One common mistake is using appertain when you actually mean pertain. Appertain means to belong to or be connected with something, while pertain means to relate to or be relevant to something. For example, you might say that a specific rule appertains to a particular situation, whereas a certain fact pertains to a particular case. Using appertain in place of pertain can lead to confusion and make your writing less clear.

Mistake 2: Using Pertain When You Mean Appertain

Another mistake is using pertain when you actually mean appertain. As mentioned earlier, appertain means to belong to or be connected with something. For example, you might say that a particular privilege appertains to a specific office. Using pertain in place of appertain can also lead to confusion and make your writing less clear.

Tips On How To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the difference between appertain and pertain. Here are some tips to help you use these words correctly:

• Take the time to look up the definitions of both words.
• Think carefully about the context in which you are using the word.
• If you’re not sure which word to use, try substituting each word in the sentence to see which one makes the most sense.

By following these tips, you can avoid making these common mistakes and ensure that your writing is clear and concise.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words “appertain” and “pertain” depends on the context in which they are used. While they are often used interchangeably, there are subtle differences in their meanings that can affect the overall tone and clarity of a sentence.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Consider the following examples:

Context	Example	Correct Word Choice
Legal Documents	The terms and conditions of this agreement shall appertain to all parties involved.	Appertain
Everyday Conversation	The topic of our discussion does not pertain to your personal life.	Pertain
Academic Writing	The research findings appertain to the larger field of study.	Appertain

In legal documents, “appertain” is often used to indicate that a clause or provision is relevant to all parties involved. In everyday conversation, “pertain” is a more common choice to indicate relevance or connection to a particular topic. In academic writing, “appertain” is used to show how research findings relate to a larger field of study.

It’s important to consider the context in which you are using these words to ensure that you are using the most appropriate choice for your intended meaning. This can help to avoid confusion and ensure that your message is clear and concise.

Exceptions To The Rules

While there are general rules for using appertain and pertain, there are certain exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some of the exceptions and explanations for each case:

1. Legal Terminology

In legal terminology, the use of appertain is more common than pertain. This is because appertain is often used to describe the relationship between two legal entities or concepts. For example, in a contract, it might be stated that certain rights and obligations appertain to one party rather than another. In this context, appertain is used to indicate that these rights and obligations are closely connected to that party and cannot be separated from them.

2. Historical Context

In certain historical contexts, the use of appertain is more appropriate than pertain. For example, in medieval literature, the term appertain was often used to describe the relationship between a lord and his vassals. The lord was said to have certain rights and responsibilities that appertained to his position, while the vassals had their own duties that appertained to theirs. In this context, appertain was used to emphasize the hierarchical nature of the relationship between the lord and his vassals.

3. Regional Differences

In some regions, the use of appertain and pertain may vary. For example, in British English, the use of appertain is more common than in American English. Similarly, in some parts of the United States, the use of pertain may be more common than in others. It is important to be aware of these regional differences when using these words in written or spoken communication.

Overall, while there are general rules for using appertain and pertain, it is important to be aware of these exceptions and to use the appropriate term depending on the context and regional differences.

Practice Exercises

One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of appertain and pertain is through practice exercises. Here are a few exercises to help you get started:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (appertain or pertain) to fill in the blank in each sentence.

1. The rules __________ to everyone, regardless of their age or experience.
2. The new dress code __________ only to employees who work in the corporate office.
3. The safety guidelines __________ to all workers on the construction site.
4. The new tax laws __________ to all citizens, regardless of their income level.
5. The company policies __________ to all employees, regardless of their position or tenure.

Answer Key:

1. pertain
2. appertain
3. pertain
4. pertain
5. pertain

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete each sentence with the correct form of appertain or pertain.

1. The new safety regulations __________ to all employees, regardless of their position or tenure.
2. The new software program __________ only to users who have completed the training course.
3. The new building code __________ to all construction projects within the city limits.
4. The new dress code __________ to all employees, regardless of their department or location.
5. The new accounting standards __________ to all businesses, regardless of their size or industry.

Answer Key:

1. pertain
2. appertains
3. pertains
4. appertains
5. pertain

By practicing exercises like these, you can improve your understanding and use of appertain and pertain in your writing and speaking. Remember to pay attention to the context of each sentence and choose the correct word accordingly.

Conclusion

After reading this article, it is clear that there is a distinct difference between the words appertain and pertain. While they may be used interchangeably in some contexts, it is important to understand the nuances of each word in order to use them correctly in written and spoken communication.

Key Takeaways:

• Appertain is a more formal and specific word than pertain, often used in legal or academic contexts.
• Pertain is a more general word that can be used in a wider range of contexts.
• Both words refer to something that is related or relevant to a particular topic or subject.
• It is important to consider the context and audience when deciding which word to use.

As with any aspect of grammar and language use, it is always beneficial to continue learning and expanding your knowledge. By paying attention to the words you use and the way you use them, you can improve your communication skills and become a more effective writer and speaker.