Pertinence vs Pertinency: Differences And Uses For Each One

When it comes to language, precision is key. Every word has its own meaning, and using the wrong one can completely change the intended message. This is where the words “pertinence” and “pertinency” come into play. While they may sound similar, they have distinct differences in meaning and usage.

In terms of which is the proper word to use, both “pertinence” and “pertinency” are considered correct. However, “pertinence” is more commonly used in modern English.

Pertinence refers to something that is relevant or applicable to a particular matter. It is often used in discussions or arguments to indicate that a particular point is important and directly related to the topic at hand.

Pertinency, on the other hand, is a more archaic term that is rarely used in modern English. It has the same meaning as pertinence, but is considered outdated and may be unfamiliar to many readers.

Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between pertinence and pertinency, their usage in different contexts, and how to choose the appropriate word for your writing.

Define Pertinence

Pertinence is the quality of being relevant or applicable to a particular matter. It refers to the degree to which something is connected to or bears upon a given subject or topic. In other words, pertinence is the measure of how much something relates to or impacts a particular situation or context.

Pertinence is often used as a criterion for evaluating the usefulness or value of information, arguments, or ideas. For example, in academic writing, the pertinence of a source is an important factor in determining its credibility and reliability. Similarly, in legal contexts, the pertinence of evidence can be a decisive factor in determining the outcome of a case.

Define Pertinency

Pertinency is a less common variant of pertinence, which refers to the same basic concept of relevance or applicability. However, pertinency is generally considered to be an archaic or obsolete term, and is rarely used in modern English.

Despite its relative obscurity, pertinency can still be found in some legal or technical contexts, particularly in older documents or texts. In some cases, pertinency may be used as a synonym for pertinence, but its usage is generally considered to be less precise or formal than the more common term.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

When it comes to using words in a sentence, it is important to understand their meanings and how they can be properly used. This is especially true for words that are similar in spelling and pronunciation, such as pertinence and pertinency. In this section, we will discuss how to use these words correctly in a sentence.

How To Use Pertinence In A Sentence

Pertinence is a noun that refers to the quality of being relevant or applicable to a particular matter. Here are some examples of how to use pertinence in a sentence:

• The lawyer argued that the evidence was of little pertinence to the case.
• Her comments were of great pertinence to the discussion at hand.
• The article’s pertinence to the current political climate was undeniable.

As you can see, pertinence is used to describe the relevance or applicability of something to a particular situation or matter.

How To Use Pertinency In A Sentence

Pertinency is also a noun, but it is less commonly used than pertinence. It refers to the state of being pertinent or relevant to a particular matter. Here are some examples of how to use pertinency in a sentence:

• The judge questioned the pertinency of the witness’s testimony.
• The article’s pertinency to the topic at hand was questionable.
• The author’s argument lacked pertinency to the main point of the essay.

As you can see, pertinency is used to describe the state of being pertinent or relevant to a particular matter. While it is less commonly used than pertinence, it can still be used effectively in certain contexts.

More Examples Of Pertinence & Pertinency Used In Sentences

In this section, we will provide more examples of how pertinence and pertinency can be used in sentences. Understanding the proper usage of these words is crucial for effective communication.

Examples Of Using Pertinence In A Sentence

• The pertinence of his argument was undeniable.
• Her research lacked pertinence to the topic at hand.
• The judge questioned the pertinence of the witness’s testimony.
• The pertinence of this information to the investigation cannot be overstated.
• As a historian, he understood the pertinence of studying the past.
• The pertinence of this issue to our society cannot be ignored.
• The pertinence of this data to our research is significant.
• His comments were dismissed due to their lack of pertinence.
• The pertinence of this decision to our company’s future cannot be underestimated.
• She emphasized the pertinence of this topic to the current political climate.

Examples Of Using Pertinency In A Sentence

• The pertinency of his argument was immediately apparent.
• Her research lacked pertinency to the topic at hand.
• The judge questioned the pertinency of the witness’s testimony.
• The pertinency of this information to the investigation cannot be overstated.
• As a historian, he understood the pertinency of studying the past.
• The pertinency of this issue to our society cannot be ignored.
• The pertinency of this data to our research is significant.
• His comments were dismissed due to their lack of pertinency.
• The pertinency of this decision to our company’s future cannot be underestimated.
• She emphasized the pertinency of this topic to the current political climate.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words pertinence and pertinency, many people tend to use them interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and miscommunication. Let’s take a closer look at some of the mistakes that people make and why they are incorrect.

Using Pertinence And Pertinency Interchangeably

The most common mistake people make is using pertinence and pertinency interchangeably. While both words refer to the quality of being relevant or applicable, they are not interchangeable. Pertinence is the more commonly used term and is considered standard English, while pertinency is considered archaic and is rarely used.

Using pertinency instead of pertinence can make your writing sound outdated and may even confuse your readers. It’s important to use the correct term to ensure that your message is clear and easy to understand.

Incorrectly Using Pertinence As A Synonym For Importance

Another common mistake that people make is using pertinence as a synonym for importance. While pertinence does relate to relevance, it does not necessarily imply importance. Pertinence simply means that something is relevant or applicable to a particular matter or situation.

Using pertinence to mean importance can lead to confusion and miscommunication. It’s important to use the correct word to convey your intended meaning.

Offering Tips On How To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the correct usage of pertinence and pertinency. Here are some tips to help you use these words correctly:

• Always use pertinence instead of pertinency, unless you are intentionally trying to sound archaic or old-fashioned.
• Remember that pertinence refers to relevance, not importance. If you mean to say that something is important, use a different word.
• Proofread your writing carefully to ensure that you are using the correct word. If you’re not sure, consult a dictionary or style guide.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words pertinence and pertinency can depend on the context in which they are used. Both words have similar meanings, but the choice between them can affect the overall tone and clarity of the message being conveyed.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between pertinence and pertinency might change:

Context	Example Sentence	Word Choice
Academic Writing	The pertinence/pertinency of this study to the field of psychology is clear.	Pertinence
Legal Writing	The pertinence/pertinency of this evidence to the case is questionable.	Pertinency
Business Writing	Our team will assess the pertinence/pertinency of this market research to our company’s goals.	Pertinence

In academic writing, pertinence is often preferred because it has a more formal and precise connotation. In legal writing, pertinency is often used because it aligns with the legal jargon and vocabulary. In business writing, either word can be used depending on the tone and purpose of the message.

It’s important to consider the context in which these words are being used to ensure that the message is clear and effective. Choosing the wrong word can lead to confusion or misinterpretation of the intended meaning.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using pertinence and pertinency are generally straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind. Here are some cases where the rules might not apply:

1. Legal Terminology

In legal contexts, pertinency is often used instead of pertinence. This is because pertinency is the term used in many legal documents and court proceedings. For example, a lawyer might argue that a piece of evidence is not relevant to the case at hand because it lacks pertinency.

2. Historical Usage

While pertinence is the more commonly used term in modern English, pertinency was the preferred term in earlier times. As a result, you may come across older texts or documents that use pertinency instead of pertinence. In these cases, it is important to understand the historical context in order to properly interpret the meaning of the text.

3. Regional Differences

There may be regional differences in how pertinence and pertinency are used. For example, in some parts of the world, one term may be more commonly used than the other. Additionally, certain industries or fields may have their own preferred terminology. It is important to be aware of these differences in order to effectively communicate with others in these contexts.

4. Personal Preference

Finally, it is worth noting that some individuals may have their own personal preferences when it comes to using pertinence or pertinency. While it is important to adhere to standard usage in most contexts, there may be situations where it is appropriate to use one term over the other based on personal preference or style.

Practice Exercises

It’s one thing to understand the difference between pertinence and pertinency, but it’s another thing to be able to use them correctly in sentences. To help readers improve their understanding and usage of these words, here are some practice exercises:

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (pertinence or pertinency) to fill in the blank in the following sentences:

1. The __________ of his argument was lost on the audience.
2. Her argument lacked __________ and failed to convince the jury.
3. The judge ruled that the evidence was of little __________ to the case.
4. He struggled to understand the __________ of the research paper.

Answer Key:

1. The pertinence of his argument was lost on the audience.
2. Her argument lacked pertinency and failed to convince the jury.
3. The judge ruled that the evidence was of little pertinence to the case.
4. He struggled to understand the pertinency of the research paper.

Exercise 2: Sentence Correction

Correct the following sentences by replacing the incorrect word with the correct one:

1. The pertinency of the evidence was questionable.
2. She failed to see the pertinence in his argument.
3. The pertinence of the research was clear.

Answer Key:

1. The pertinence of the evidence was questionable.
2. She failed to see the pertinency in his argument.
3. The pertinency of the research was clear.

By practicing with these exercises, readers can improve their understanding and usage of pertinence and pertinency in their writing and communication.

Conclusion

After exploring the nuances of pertinence and pertinency, it is clear that these two terms have subtle differences in meaning. Pertinence refers to relevance and applicability, while pertinency refers to something being appropriate or fitting.

It is important for writers to understand the distinctions between these terms in order to use them correctly and effectively in their writing. Using the wrong term can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

Key Takeaways

• Pertinence and pertinency have different meanings, with pertinence referring to relevance and pertinency referring to appropriateness.
• Understanding the nuances of language can improve writing and communication skills.
• Using the wrong term can lead to confusion and miscommunication.

As writers, we should strive to continuously improve our grammar and language use. By doing so, we can ensure that our writing is clear, concise, and effective. Whether through reading about grammar rules, taking courses, or seeking feedback from others, there are many ways to continue learning and growing as writers.

So, let us all continue to expand our knowledge and understanding of language and grammar, and strive to use it to the best of our abilities in all of our writing endeavors.