Respectively

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "respectively" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to separate two or more items when referring to them in the same order as previously mentioned. For example: "John and Jane both received awards for first and second place, respectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Since launching its US and Australia digital editions in 2011 and 2013 respectively, traffic from outside of the UK now represents over two-thirds of the Guardian's total digital audience.

The Guardian

Since launching its US and Australia digital editions in 2011 and 2013 respectively, traffic from outside of the UK now represents around two-thirds of the Guardian's total digital audience.

The Guardian

They were up 205% and 172% respectively on their three-month slot average.

The Guardian

The most likely potential spoilers in American Pharoah's bid for history include Frosted (fourth in the Kentucky Derby) and Materiality (sixth), the second and third favorites at 5-1 and 6-1 respectively, who are superior closers capable of overtaking fading contenders down the stretch.

The Guardian - Sport

Neither member was permitted to take part in the voting for the 2018 and 2022 World Cups, won by Russia and Qatar respectively.

The Guardian - Sport

His tally of 486 runs in eight innings in the tournament, at an average of more than 60 and a strike rate of 87, is second only to Glamorgan's Jacques Rudolph, and has included half-centuries in the quarter and semi-final victories over Essex and Kent respectively, as well as two centuries during the group stage.

The Guardian - Sport

Clear chances were few and far between for much of the match and the sides remained seventh and eighth respectively in the table.

The Guardian - Sport

Broadway star Idina Menzel and Will Young both beat off non-musical competition in their categories – best solo performance and best London newcomer respectively – as did jukebox musicals Taboo and American Idiot, voted off-West End and regional shows of the year.

The Guardian

"It will be a no-go area for the public.... assigned consultants and cultural heads will access the site to do their technical work and perform some rituals respectively," he said.

The Guardian

Respectively, (and as of Thursday) that's how many goals the 19 year-old has tallied, how many games he's played, and how many overall points he's notched.

The Guardian - Sport

This week Alyokhina and Tolokonnikova were told they will serve the rest of their two-year terms at women's prison camps in Perm, Siberia, and Mordovia respectively.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "respectively", ensure that the order of items in both lists is clear and unambiguous to avoid confusion. It's best applied where the correspondence is directly apparent and easily followed.

Common error

Avoid using "respectively" when the number of items in the paired lists does not match. This can create ambiguity and misinterpretation. Ensure both lists have an equal number of elements.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "respectively" functions as a correlative adverb. It's used to indicate that two or more elements relate to each other in a specific order, clarifying which element corresponds to which. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Business

8%

Books

6%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "respectively" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term for establishing a clear, ordered relationship between elements in a sentence. According to Ludwig AI, its use is correct and appropriate. It appears most often in news media and sports contexts, indicating its wide applicability. When using "respectively", ensure both lists have equal items and that the order of correspondence is clear. For similar meanings, consider alternatives such as "in the order given" or "in corresponding order". By following these guidelines, you can effectively use "respectively" to enhance the clarity and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in corresponding order

Clearly indicates a parallel arrangement between items.

in proper sequence

Highlights adherence to a correct or established order.

in the order given

Emphasizes the sequential arrangement matching the order of presentation.

according to their order

Specifies that the assignment is based on the arrangement of items.

in that order

Highlights the specific sequence previously established.

as previously indicated

Refers back to a sequence that has already been mentioned.

each in turn

Stresses the individual and sequential allocation to corresponding items.

sequentially

Focuses on the ordered progression of items.

in the same succession

Highlights that the arrangement follows in direct relationship to the other.

in due order

Implies that each item is assigned according to a proper or expected sequence.

FAQs

How can I use "respectively" in a sentence?

Use "respectively" to indicate that items in one list correspond to items in another list in the order they are given. For example, "John and Mary won first and second place, respectively."

What's an alternative to saying "respectively"?

You can use phrases like "in that order", "in the order given", or "in corresponding order" depending on the context.

What does "respectively" mean?

"Respectively" means in the order given or relating to each item separately in the order they were mentioned. It's used to link two lists in a specific sequence.

Is it incorrect to omit "respectively" when it's implied?

While the meaning might sometimes be clear without it, omitting "respectively" can introduce ambiguity. Using it ensures clarity, especially when dealing with complex information or longer lists.