a relative

USAGE SUMMARY

"a relative" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to a family member or someone related by blood or marriage. Example: "I went to visit a relative at the hospital yesterday."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is there a relative?

The New York Times

I'm not a relative.

The New York Times

It's a relative term.

The New York Times

Celera is a relative newcomer.

The Economist

"A relative is yours forever.

The New York Times

"Reformist" is a relative term.

The New Yorker

"Safety is a relative concept".

The New York Times

"Lost" is a relative notion.

The New Yorker

Good is a relative term.

The New York Times - Sports

Inexpensive is a relative term.

The New York Times

"Booming is a relative term".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a relative", ensure the context clearly defines the type of relationship you are referring to, especially if it's not immediately obvious (e.g., "a relative newcomer" versus "a blood relative").

Common error

Avoid confusing "relative", which denotes a connection or comparison, with "relevant", which means pertinent or applicable. Using the wrong word can significantly alter the meaning of your sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a relative" primarily functions as a noun phrase, identifying a person connected by blood, marriage, or association. It can also function as an adjective describing something as existing or possessing a characteristic only in relation to something else. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a relative" is a versatile phrase primarily used as a noun to denote family members or those connected by kinship, and also as an adjective to signify a connection in the sense of not being absolute. Ludwig AI confirms this. As shown by Ludwig's examples, its usage spans across various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedic entries, typically maintaining a neutral register. Remember to be specific when the exact relationship matters and avoid confusing it with "relevant". While "a relative" is commonly used, consider the nuances of alternatives such as "family member" or "relation" to refine your expression. Being aware of these subtleties will contribute to clearer and more precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a close relation

Highlights the closeness of the relationship.

a family member

Focuses specifically on the familial connection, omitting the possibility of relation by comparison.

a distant relative

Indicates a more remote familial connection.

a relation

A more formal and slightly broader term than "a relative".

someone related

A more descriptive and less direct way of saying "a relative".

a familial connection

Highlights the existence of a tie without specifying the person.

a kinsman

An older, more archaic term for a male relative.

an ancestor

Refers to a relative from a past generation.

a descendant

Refers to a relative in a future generation.

a kindred spirit

Emphasizes a shared connection or similarity, moving away from familial ties.

FAQs

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

"A relative" can be used to refer to a member of your family, as in "I visited "a relative" over the holidays". It can also be used to describe something that is not absolute, such as "In the city, quiet is "a relative" term".

What is a more formal alternative to "a relative"?

A more formal alternative to "a relative" is "a relation". This term is often used in legal or official contexts.

Is it ever incorrect to use "a relative"?

The phrase "a relative" is grammatically correct. However, ensure that the context is clear. If the specific type of relative is important, it's better to be precise (e.g. say "my aunt" instead of ""a relative"").

What's the difference between "a relative" and "related to"?

"A relative" is a noun phrase that refers to a person connected by blood, marriage, or adoption. "Related to" is a verb phrase indicating a connection or association with something. For example: "She is "related to" the senator" versus "She is "a relative" of the senator".