Definition

Verb phrase: - To be relevant to; to be connected with or related to: This phrase indicates that something concerns, involves, or is associated with a particular subject or matter.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe a relationship of relevance or connection between two things. It is commonly used in questions or statements to inquire about or specify the subject matter of something. - It is typically used in constructions like "have to do with" (Note: The standard modern spelling is "do," not "doe"). - It often follows the verb "has," "have," or "had" depending on the subject and tense.

Examples

• Present Tense:
  • What does this document have to do with our project? (It asks about the document's relevance to the project.)
  • Her anxiety has to do with the upcoming exam. (Her anxiety is connected to the exam.)
• Past Tense:
  • His anger had to do with the missed deadline. (His anger was related to the deadline.)
• Negative & Question Forms:
  • This old key has nothing to do with the new lock. (It is not relevant/connected at all.)
  • What could their argument possibly have to do with me? (It questions any potential connection to the speaker.)

Advanced Usage

• "To have something/nothing/a lot to do with": These variations specify the degree of relevance or connection.
  • Her success has a lot to do with her dedication. (Her dedication is highly relevant to her success.)
  • The weather had something to do with the cancellation. (The weather was a factor in the cancellation.)
  • My personal life has nothing to do with my job performance. (There is no connection between the two.)

Variants and Related Words

• Pertain to (verb): To belong to or be connected with a subject. More formal than "have to do with."
  • The laws pertain to public safety.
• Relate to (verb phrase): To be connected with; to have a relation to.
  • How does this theory relate to the experiment?
• Concern (verb): To be about; to be relevant to.
  • This matter concerns all department heads.
• Refer to (verb phrase): To mention or allude to; to direct attention to.
  • The article refers to recent economic trends.

Synonyms

• Bear on: To be relevant to.
• Appertain to: To belong or be connected as a rightful part or attribute. (Formal)
• Involve: To include or affect as a necessary part.

Related Phrases

• What's that got to do with the price of tea in China?: (Idiom) A rhetorical question used to suggest that something mentioned is irrelevant to the discussion.
  • You're talking about yesterday's game, but what's that got to do with the price of tea in China? We need to discuss today's problem.

Notes

• The standard modern spelling of the phrase is "have to do with." The spelling "doe" is an archaic or erroneous form.
• This phrase is versatile and common in both spoken and written English to establish or question relevance.

Verb

1. be relevant to
   • There were lots of questions referring to her talk
   • My remark pertained to your earlier comments