a reasonable relation to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a reasonable relation to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the connection or relevance between two concepts, ideas, or entities, often in legal, academic, or analytical contexts. Example: "The evidence presented must have a reasonable relation to the claims made in the lawsuit."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

"They have a natural intellect, a reasonable relation to everything, with a deep study of questions," she told me.

The New Yorker

Does such a statute bear a reasonable relation to New York's interest in ensuring the qualifications of its teachers?

Cornell University

(b) The size and frequency of installment payments will bear a reasonable relation to the size of the debt and the debtor's ability to pay.

Cornell University

Article 3(a) bears a reasonable relation to the "Government and Regulation" of the armed forces; it is appropriate and plainly adapted to that end.

Cornell University

Is the classification or discrimination prescribed thereby purely arbitrary, or has it some basis in that which has a reasonable relation to the object sought to be accomplished?

Cornell University

As this court said in Jackson v. Indiana (1972), where detention's goal is no longer practically attainable, detention no longer "bears a reasonable relation to the purpose for which the individual was committed".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

222, on the ground that they were ultra vires because the statute authorized regulation only to prevent waste, and the court concluded that the orders did not bear any reasonable relation to that end.

Cornell University

It is equally clear, we think, that to punish an employer or his agent for simply proposing certain terms of employment, under circumstances devoid of coercion, duress, or undue influence, has no reasonable relation to a declared purpose of repressing coercion, duress, and undue influence.

Cornell University

Yet no reasonable relation to an 'immediate, imminent, and impending' public danger is evident to support this racial restriction which is one of the most sweeping and complete deprivations of constitutional rights in the history of this nation in the absence of martial law.

Harvard University

We cannot say from any facts judicially known to the court, or from the evidence in this case, that the prohibition of options to sell grain at a future time has, in itself, no reasonable relation to the suppression of gambling grain contracts in respect of which the parties contemplate only a settlement on the basis of differences in the contract and market prices.

Cornell University

He adds, "Thus, in United States v. Miller, decided in 1939, the court unanimously held that Congress could prohibit the possession of a sawed-off shotgun because that sort of weapon had no reasonable relation to the preservation or efficiency of a "well regulated Militia".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a reasonable relation to", ensure the connection you're describing is clearly articulated and supported by evidence or logical reasoning. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims of relationship.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because two things have "a reasonable relation to" each other, one directly causes the other. Correlation does not equal causation; further evidence is needed to establish a causal link.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a reasonable relation to" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used to modify nouns or verbs, indicating a logical or justifiable connection between two entities or concepts. It often appears in contexts where establishing relevance or pertinence is crucial, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Academia

50%

News & Media

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a reasonable relation to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to establish a logical or justifiable connection between two elements. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it's particularly prevalent in academic, legal, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the relationship you're describing is clear and well-supported. Be mindful of avoiding the common error of assuming causation based solely on correlation. Consider alternative phrases such as ""a logical connection to"" or ""a relevant link to"" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a logical connection to

Emphasizes the logical or rational link between two things, suggesting a clear line of reasoning.

a relevant link to

Highlights the pertinence or applicability of one thing to another, focusing on direct relevance.

a pertinent connection to

Highlights the direct relevance of the relationship.

a valid association with

Suggests a legitimate or well-founded connection.

a justifiable link to

Highlights the presence of enough reasons to consider there is a solid connection.

a tenable relationship with

Suggests that the connection is defensible and can be maintained.

a sound correlation with

Emphasizes the strength and reliability of the connection or relationship.

an appropriate connection to

Highlights the appropriateness and suitability of the relationship.

a fitting correspondence to

Emphasizes how suitably the elements match or align.

a well-founded association with

Implies the connection is based on solid evidence or reasoning.

FAQs

How can I use "a reasonable relation to" in a sentence?

You can use "a reasonable relation to" to indicate a logical or justifiable connection between two elements. For instance, "The policy has "a reasonable relation to" the company's goals."

What are some alternatives to "a reasonable relation to"?

Alternatives include "a logical connection to", "a relevant link to", or "a pertinent connection to" depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "a reasonable relation to" in writing?

It's appropriate when you need to establish a clear and logical connection between two things, especially in formal writing, legal documents, or academic papers.

Is there a difference between "a reasonable relation to" and "a direct relation to"?

Yes, "a direct relation to" implies a more immediate and obvious connection, while "a reasonable relation to" suggests a logical, though potentially less obvious, link. The latter might require more explanation to establish the connection.