a distant relative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a distant relative" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a family member who is not closely related, such as a cousin or great-aunt. Example: "At the family reunion, I met a distant relative I had never heard of before."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(A distant relative married Osama bin Laden).

The New York Times

"You are a distant relative, after all".

The New Yorker

Or send a distant relative.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Studied with Igor Stravinsky, a distant relative.

The New Yorker

The house was owned by a distant relative.

The Guardian

Forty-three yeago ago, a distant relative, Ch.

The New York Times - Sports

Aunt Galya was a distant relative of my mother.

The New Yorker

Most miners had a distant relative in the force.

The Guardian

It could be a distant relative of moscato.

The New York Times - Food

Roosevelt by Miss Margaret L. suckely, a distant relative.

The New Yorker

Edward Saakashvili – a distant relative of the president – demurred.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a distant relative", provide context about how they are related, especially if it is relevant to the story or information you are conveying.

Common error

Don't assume "a distant relative" shares your values or beliefs. Just because you're related doesn't mean you're alike.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a distant relative" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. It identifies a person related to another but not through direct lineage. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a distant relative" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a familial connection that is not close or direct. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and suitable for use in written English. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media contexts, with a neutral register suitable for conveying information without excessive formality. When using this phrase, it's helpful to provide additional context about the specific relationship to avoid assumptions or confusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remote relative

Replaces "distant" with "remote", emphasizing the separation in the family tree.

far-off relation

Uses "far-off" to convey distance and "relation" as a synonym for "relative".

indirect family member

Emphasizes the lack of a direct link within the family.

extended family connection

Highlights that the relationship falls within the broader extended family.

collateral relative

A more formal term indicating a non-direct line of descent.

removed relative

Specifies a level of removal, implying generations or degrees of separation.

cousin many times removed

More precise description of relation in the family tree.

tenuous family tie

Highlights the weakness or slightness of the family connection.

not-so-close kin

Emphasizes the lack of closeness in the familial relationship.

vaguely related

Suggests an imprecise or uncertain family connection.

FAQs

How can I use "a distant relative" in a sentence?

You can use "a distant relative" to describe a family member who is not closely related to you. For example, "I only met "a distant relative" at the family reunion".

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

"A distant relative" refers to a family member with whom you don't have a close or immediate relationship, while "a close relative" signifies a direct and significant familial connection.

What are some alternatives to saying "a distant relative"?

You can use alternatives like "remote relative", "far-off relation", or "indirect family member".

Is it appropriate to ask "a distant relative" for help?

It depends on your relationship with them. While they are family, consider how well you know them and the nature of your connection before asking for significant assistance.