Have you ever been confused about when to use “pertaining” and when to use “regarding”? These two words are often used interchangeably, but there are subtle differences between them that can affect the meaning of your sentence. In this article, we will explore the nuances of these two words and help you determine which one is the proper choice for your writing needs.
It’s important to note that both “pertaining” and “regarding” are prepositions that mean “about” or “concerning.” However, “pertaining” is a more formal and authoritative term, while “regarding” is more commonly used in everyday speech and writing.
When we say something is “pertaining to” a particular topic, we mean that it is directly related or relevant to that topic. For example, “The new policy is pertaining to employee benefits.” In this sentence, “pertaining to” emphasizes that the policy is specifically focused on employee benefits.
On the other hand, when we use “regarding,” we are simply indicating that the topic is being discussed or mentioned. For instance, “The memo regarding the new policy was sent out yesterday.” Here, “regarding” is used to convey that the memo is about the new policy, without emphasizing the specific details of the policy itself.
It’s important to choose the right word based on the tone and context of your writing. If you want to sound more formal or authoritative, “pertaining” might be the better choice. If you’re writing in a more casual or conversational style, “regarding” may be more appropriate.
In the following sections, we will explore more examples of how these two words can be used in different contexts, and provide tips for using them effectively in your writing.
Define Pertaining
Pertaining refers to something that is related or relevant to a particular topic, subject, or situation. It is often used to describe something that is connected to or associated with a specific matter.
For example, if you are discussing a legal case, you might say that the evidence presented is pertaining to the charges against the defendant. This indicates that the evidence is relevant and connected to the case at hand.
In a medical context, a doctor might use the term pertaining to describe symptoms that are related to a patient’s condition. This indicates that the symptoms are relevant and connected to the underlying health issue.
Define Regarding
Regarding is a preposition that is used to indicate a connection or relationship between two things. It is often used to introduce a topic or subject that is being discussed.
For example, if you are writing an email to a colleague about a project, you might start by saying “Regarding our upcoming presentation…” This indicates that the email is related to the project and that you are about to discuss a specific aspect of it.
Regarding can also be used to indicate a position or opinion on a particular matter. For instance, a company might issue a statement regarding a recent controversy, expressing its stance on the issue.
| Pertaining | Regarding |
|---|---|
| Indicates a connection or relevance to a specific topic or subject | Introduces a topic or subject that is being discussed |
| Used to describe something that is related or associated with a particular matter | Can be used to indicate a position or opinion on a particular matter |
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence can be the difference between clear communication and confusion. Two words that are often used interchangeably are “pertaining” and “regarding.” While they have similar meanings, they are not always interchangeable. Here’s how to use each word properly in a sentence.
How To Use “Pertaining” In A Sentence
“Pertaining” is often used to indicate a connection or relevance to something. It is typically used to describe a relationship between two things or to provide additional information about a subject. Here are some examples:
- The report contains information pertaining to the company’s financial performance.
- The rules and regulations pertaining to the use of the facility are clearly outlined in the contract.
- The article discusses issues pertaining to climate change and its impact on the environment.
Notice that “pertaining” is often followed by “to” and is used to provide more detail about a specific subject or topic. It can also be used in a more general sense to indicate a connection between two things.
How To Use “Regarding” In A Sentence
“Regarding” is often used to indicate a reference or connection to something. It is typically used to introduce a topic or to provide additional information about a subject. Here are some examples:
- The email was regarding the upcoming meeting.
- The memo contained information regarding the new project.
- The letter addressed concerns regarding the company’s policies.
Notice that “regarding” is often followed by a noun or a gerund (a verb ending in “-ing” used as a noun). It is used to introduce a topic or to provide more information about a specific subject or topic.
While “pertaining” and “regarding” are similar in meaning, it is important to use each word correctly to ensure clear communication. By following these guidelines, you can use these words properly in your writing and speaking.
More Examples Of Pertaining & Regarding Used In Sentences
In order to fully understand the difference between pertaining and regarding, it’s important to see how they are used in context. Here are some examples:
Examples Of Using Pertaining In A Sentence
- The new policy is pertaining to employee dress code.
- The article is pertaining to the effects of climate change on wildlife.
- The lawsuit is pertaining to breach of contract.
- The discussion is pertaining to the budget for the upcoming project.
- The lecture is pertaining to the history of ancient civilizations.
- The question is pertaining to the accuracy of the data.
- The report is pertaining to the financial performance of the company.
- The study is pertaining to the effects of exercise on mental health.
- The book is pertaining to the life of a famous artist.
- The seminar is pertaining to the latest developments in technology.
Examples Of Using Regarding In A Sentence
- The email is regarding the upcoming meeting.
- The memo is regarding the new company policy.
- The letter is regarding the status of the job application.
- The conversation is regarding the best way to approach the project.
- The article is regarding the benefits of meditation.
- The report is regarding the impact of social media on society.
- The question is regarding the safety of the product.
- The discussion is regarding the future of the industry.
- The survey is regarding customer satisfaction with the service.
- The presentation is regarding the results of the research study.
As you can see, both words are used to indicate a connection or relevance to a specific topic. However, pertaining is often used to describe something that is more specific or directly related, while regarding is used to describe something that is more general or overall related.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using language correctly, small mistakes can make a big difference. One common mistake that people make is using the words “pertaining” and “regarding” interchangeably. While they may seem similar, they actually have different meanings and uses.
Mistakes To Avoid
- Using “pertaining” when you mean “regarding”: Pertaining refers to something that is connected to or related to a specific topic or subject. For example, “The report pertains to the company’s financial performance.” On the other hand, regarding means with respect to or concerning a particular matter or subject. For example, “Regarding the report, we need to discuss the sales figures.”
- Using “regarding” when you mean “pertaining”: As mentioned above, regarding means with respect to or concerning a particular matter or subject. It is not interchangeable with pertaining, which refers to something that is connected to or related to a specific topic or subject. For example, “The report regarding the company’s financial performance” is incorrect.
- Using “pertaining to” or “regarding to”: These phrases are redundant and should be avoided. Instead, use either “pertaining” or “regarding” on their own. For example, “The report pertains to the company’s financial performance” or “Regarding the report, we need to discuss the sales figures.”
- Using “pertains” or “regards” without an object: These words must be followed by an object to make sense. For example, “The report pertains to the company’s financial performance” is correct, while “The report pertains” is not. Similarly, “Regarding the report, we need to discuss the sales figures” is correct, while “Regarding, we need to discuss the sales figures” is not.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the differences between the words “pertaining” and “regarding.” Here are some tips to help:
- Read and listen carefully: Pay attention to how these words are used in written and spoken language. This will help you to better understand their meanings and uses.
- Use a dictionary: Look up the definitions of these words in a dictionary to ensure you are using them correctly.
- Proofread your writing: Before submitting any written work, make sure to proofread it carefully to ensure you have used these words correctly.
- Practice using them correctly: The more you use these words correctly, the more natural it will become to use them in the right way.
Context Matters
Choosing between the words “pertaining” and “regarding” can be tricky, as the context in which they are used plays a crucial role. Both words are prepositions that are used to indicate a relationship between two things, but they have slightly different meanings.
Pertaining
The word “pertaining” is often used to indicate a direct connection or relevance to something. It suggests that the subject matter is closely related to the topic being discussed. For example:
- The report pertains to the financial performance of the company.
- The rules and regulations pertaining to the use of the facility are clearly stated.
In both of these examples, the word “pertaining” is used to indicate a direct relationship between the subject matter and the topic being discussed.
Regarding
The word “regarding” is used to indicate a more general relationship between two things. It suggests that the subject matter is relevant to the topic being discussed, but not necessarily directly connected. For example:
- The article discusses various issues regarding climate change.
- The email was sent regarding the upcoming meeting.
In both of these examples, the word “regarding” is used to indicate a general relationship between the subject matter and the topic being discussed.
Context Matters
The choice between “pertaining” and “regarding” depends on the context in which they are used. For example, in a legal document, the word “pertaining” might be more appropriate to indicate a direct relationship between two things, while in a casual conversation, the word “regarding” might be more appropriate to indicate a general relationship.
It is important to consider the context in which these words are used to ensure that the intended meaning is conveyed accurately. Using the wrong word can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using “pertaining” and “regarding” are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Legal Terminology
In legal terminology, “pertaining” and “regarding” are often used interchangeably. This is because the legal field has its own set of jargon and conventions, which may differ from standard English usage. For example:
| Pertaining | Regarding |
|---|---|
| The document pertaining to the case | The document regarding the case |
| The law pertaining to property rights | The law regarding property rights |
2. Contextual Usage
Sometimes, the choice between “pertaining” and “regarding” depends on the context in which the words are used. For example:
- If you’re writing a formal letter or document, “pertaining” may be more appropriate.
- If you’re writing an informal email or message, “regarding” may be more appropriate.
- If you’re discussing a topic in a specific context, such as a scientific or technical field, the preferred usage may vary.
3. Personal Preference
Finally, it’s worth noting that in some cases, the choice between “pertaining” and “regarding” may simply come down to personal preference or style. Some writers may prefer one over the other, or may use them interchangeably without any significant difference in meaning.
Overall, while there are some exceptions to the rules for using “pertaining” and “regarding,” these cases are relatively rare and often depend on specific contexts or conventions. In most cases, following the standard rules will ensure clear and effective communication.
Practice Exercises
One of the best ways to improve your understanding and use of the words pertaining and regarding is to practice using them in sentences. Here are some exercises to help you do just that:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct word (pertaining or regarding) to fill in the blank in each of the following sentences:
- The new policy is ___________ employee conduct.
- Do you have any questions ___________ the upcoming meeting?
- The report contains information ___________ the company’s financial performance.
- The contract specifies the terms and conditions ___________ the sale of the property.
Answer Key:
- pertaining
- regarding
- pertaining
- pertaining
Exercise 2: Rewrite The Sentence
Rewrite each of the following sentences using the other word (pertaining or regarding) to replace the underlined word or phrase:
- The article discusses issues pertaining to climate change.
- The memo contains information regarding the new project.
- The contract includes clauses pertaining to confidentiality.
- The email was sent regarding the upcoming deadline.
Answer Key:
- The article discusses issues regarding climate change.
- The memo contains information pertaining to the new project.
- The contract includes clauses regarding confidentiality.
- The email was sent pertaining to the upcoming deadline.
By completing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and use of the words pertaining and regarding in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context in which each word is used and to choose the word that best fits the meaning you want to convey.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the use of “pertaining” and “regarding” can be a source of confusion for many people. However, with a clear understanding of their definitions and proper usage, one can effectively communicate in written and spoken language.
Key Takeaways
- “Pertaining” means “related to” while “regarding” means “concerning.”
- Both words can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but “regarding” is more commonly used in formal writing.
- It is important to consider the context and tone of your writing when choosing between “pertaining” and “regarding.”
- Using these words correctly can enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing.
Overall, having a strong grasp of grammar and language use is essential for effective communication. By continuing to learn and refine your skills, you can become a more confident and articulate communicator.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.