“Pertaining To” is a formal phrase that often trips up IELTS test-takers. While it might not be as common as other phrases, understanding its nuances can significantly enhance your lexical resource score and help you craft more sophisticated sentences. This comprehensive guide will delve into the meaning, usage, and alternatives to “pertaining to,” equipping you with the knowledge to wield it confidently in your IELTS exam.
Understanding “Pertaining to”
“Pertaining to” signifies “relating to” or “concerning.” It’s frequently employed in academic and formal writing to establish connections between ideas or provide context.
Let’s illustrate its application with a few examples:
Listening Section:
The lecturer discussed various social issues pertaining to poverty and inequality.
Reading Passage:
The article presented compelling statistics pertaining to climate change and its impact on the environment.
Writing Task 2:
Governments should prioritize investments in infrastructure pertaining to renewable energy sources.
In each instance, “pertaining to” seamlessly links the subject to a specific aspect or area of relevance.
“Pertaining to” in IELTS: Usage and Strategies
Meaning and Frequency
As mentioned earlier, “pertaining to” indicates a connection or relevance between two things. While not overly common in everyday language, it’s a valuable phrase for the IELTS exam, particularly in the Writing and Speaking sections where a higher level of formality is often required.
Grammatical Structure and Application
“Pertaining to” acts as an adjectival phrase, modifying the noun that precedes it. Here’s the basic structure:
Noun + “pertaining to” + Related topic/area
For example:
- Information pertaining to the company’s financial performance is confidential.
- The museum houses artifacts pertaining to ancient Egypt.
You can strategically use “pertaining to” in different sections of the IELTS:
Writing Task 2:
*When discussing the benefits of technology: “Advancements in technology pertaining to communication have revolutionized the way we interact.”
Speaking Part 3:
*When discussing your hobbies: “I enjoy reading books pertaining to history and philosophy.”
Alternatives to “Pertaining to”
While “pertaining to” is a useful phrase, varying your language is key to demonstrating a wide-ranging vocabulary. Here are some effective substitutes:
- Related to: This is a more common and less formal alternative. (e.g., The discussion related to climate change was particularly engaging.)
- Concerning: This option is more suitable when discussing a specific issue or problem. (e.g., The report raised concerns concerning the declining bee population.)
- Regarding: A versatile alternative that fits various contexts. (e.g., I have some questions regarding the upcoming project.)
- About: The simplest and most common alternative. However, in formal writing, the options above are often preferred. (e.g., The book is about the history of the Roman Empire.)
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
A common mistake is using “pertaining to” redundantly with prepositions like “of” or “about.”
Incorrect: The seminar covered topics pertaining to about the history of art.
Correct: The seminar covered topics pertaining to the history of art.
Another pitfall is using “pertaining to” in informal contexts where simpler alternatives would be more appropriate.
Informal: I was looking for information pertaining to about the best restaurants in town.
Improved: I was looking for information about the best restaurants in town.
Conclusion
Mastering “pertaining to” and its alternatives empowers you to articulate connections and express yourself with greater precision and sophistication in the IELTS exam. By using this phrase judiciously and avoiding common errors, you can elevate your language and boost your chances of achieving a higher band score.
For further practice, explore resources and sample tests that utilize “pertaining to” in context.