Pertaining vs. Regarding — What's the Difference?

"Pertaining" is typically used to indicate a direct relation or relevance to something specific. This term often appears in legal, technical, or formal contexts where clarity about the direct connection is necessary. On the other hand, "regarding" serves as a preposition to discuss something in general terms, and it can introduce a topic or subject matter in conversation or writing.

While "pertaining" is used to denote specific attributes, aspects, or details directly related to a subject, "regarding" is often used more broadly to indicate concern or consideration about a subject. "Regarding" is versatile and can be used to start a conversation or correspondence by focusing on a particular topic.

On the other hand, "pertaining" can often imply ownership or inclusion, as in "documents pertaining to the agreement," which suggests these documents are part of the agreement's official record. In contrast, "regarding" might be used as in "regarding your query," which simply means concerning or about your query.

"Pertaining" can imply a more formal tone or a specialized usage, particularly when detailing relationships or connections in technical or academic contexts. Meanwhile, "regarding" is used in both formal and informal settings, making it a common choice in everyday language for referring to various subjects or concerns.

Both "pertaining" and "regarding" are prepositions concerned with relevance to a subject, the use of "pertaining" is more likely when stressing the integral parts or components of a broader subject, highlighting a more intrinsic connection than "regarding," which is more about general consideration or relation.