a close relation of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a close relation of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who is closely related to another person, typically in a familial context. Example: "She is a close relation of the famous author, often sharing stories about their family history."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

We have met this being (or a close relation of his) before, in his natural habitat.

The New Yorker

It is a close relation of the poppy, dicentra and common fumitory.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The green ovoids are the green tea crémeux, a crémeux being a close relation of a mousse.

The New York Times

Susie Jackson, who, at eighty-seven, was the oldest of them, sang in the Emanuel choir; she was a close relation of his.

The New Yorker

This is a specially designed atomic-force microscope (a close relation of the STM), which uses the forces between atoms to move the tip.

The Economist

He is a close relation of the loony press magnate and believes that islands are like newspapers, to be treated as playthings.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

On 29 August, Justice Henry Wallwork rejected the injunction application, on the grounds that Bodney had previously agreed to the current arrangements, and on the evidence of another Noongar elder (Albert Corunna, who claimed to be a closer relation of Yagan) and anthropologist Pat Baines, both of whom refuted Bodney's claim to sole responsibility.

Wikipedia

Recent research reveals that the oncogenesis and development of gliomas have a close relation to the overexpression of several oncogenes and the inactivation of tumor suppressor genes.

Analytical Cellular Pathology

In contrast, the condition of the unit cell of the APM has a close relation to the transmission property of the APMs.

Physics Letters A

Freedom and self-determination also bear a close relation to another characteristic of the person's spiritual nature: creativity.

SEP

This property has a close relation to the use of topological degree in eigenvalue theory by the regularization method.

Journal of Inequalities and Applications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a close relation of" when you want to indicate a strong connection or similarity between two things or people. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended relationship.

Common error

Avoid using "a close relation of" when describing a weak or distant connection. Ensure the relationship is genuinely significant to warrant this phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a close relation of" functions as a noun phrase, indicating a significant connection, often familial or based on similarity, between two entities. Ludwig confirms its accurate usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a close relation of" is a versatile expression used to denote a significant connection or similarity between two things or people. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, ranging from scientific literature to news articles. While the phrase can be used in various contexts, Ludwig's examples indicate its frequent presence in scientific and news-related domains. Alternatives such as "closely related to" or "a near relative of" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to consider the strength of the connection you are describing to ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended relationship.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a near relative of

Emphasizes familial connection with a slightly different word choice.

closely related to

Focuses on the state of being related, structurally shifting the phrase.

a close affiliate of

Indicates a strong association, particularly in business or organizational contexts.

a close counterpart of

Suggests similarity or equivalence in function or role.

a direct connection to

Highlights a link or pathway between two things.

strongly associated with

Emphasizes a connection or link between two entities.

in close proximity to

Indicates nearness in a physical or abstract sense.

essentially the same as

Indicates a high degree of similarity, almost to the point of being identical.

a kindred spirit to

Highlights a similarity in character or beliefs.

a chip off the old block

An idiomatic expression referring to a child resembling a parent.

FAQs

How can I use "a close relation of" in a sentence?

You can use "a close relation of" to describe someone who is closely related to another person, or to describe something that is very similar to something else. For example, "She is a close relation of the famous author" or "Gamay, the grape of Beaujolais, is "a close relation of" pinot noir".

What's the difference between "a close relation of" and "a distant relation of"?

"A close relation of" indicates a strong and direct connection, while "a distant relation of" suggests a weaker, less direct connection. The former implies a significant degree of similarity or familial tie, whereas the latter implies a more tenuous link.

What can I say instead of "a close relation of"?

You can use alternatives like "closely related to", "a near relative of", or "a close affiliate of" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "a close relation to" instead of "a close relation of"?

While "a close relation to" might be understood, "a close relation of" is the more standard and grammatically preferred construction. Using "of" correctly indicates the relationship or connection between two entities.