Pertaining

Pertaining is the present participle form of the verb pertain. It functions as an adjective meaning relating to, connected with, or concerning something. In common usage, it often appears in the phrase pertaining to, which introduces or describes a topic, matter, or object that is relevant to the subject at hand.

Etymology and sense: Pertain comes from Latin pertinere, meaning to relate or belong to, itself composed of per- (through, toward) and tenēre (to hold). The word entered English via Old French pertainre or pertainer and Middle English usage, evolving into the modern participle pertaining.

Usage and context: Pertaining is more formal and is frequently found in legal, administrative, or academic writing, though it can appear in general prose. It is used to modify nouns or noun phrases, as in documents pertaining to the case or information pertaining to the project. The meaning is close to synonyms such as relevant, related, or concerning, but pertain/pertaining carries a note of belonging or connection rather than mere relevance.

Grammar notes: Pertaining behaves as a participial adjective. It can be part of a postpositional phrase (the provisions pertaining to the contract) or precede a noun (pertaining matters). When style allows, concise alternatives like relevant to or concerning may be preferred for clarity and brevity.

Related terms: Pertinence, pertinence, pertinent, and pertain are etymologically linked but serve different grammatical roles. Pertinent is an adjective meaning relevant or applicable; pertinence denotes the quality of being pertinent.

Examples: The rules pertaining to eligibility are listed in section 3. The reports pertaining to the audit were reviewed by the committee.