are in relation to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are in relation to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the connection or association between two or more subjects or concepts. Example: "The findings of the study are in relation to the impact of climate change on biodiversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

To an outsider, it is striking how modest the obstacles are in relation to Haiti's potential.

The New York Times

She makes us realise how inconsequential we are in relation to the universe".

The Guardian - Arts

What love is depends on where you are in relation to it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She will challenge girls' images of themselves, who they are in relation to boys and why.

The New York Times - Books

The wealthy always assume they are far poorer than they actually are in relation to the population.

The Guardian

Does it allow the reader to understand where they are in relation to the rest of the site?

The Guardian

But it also has a weakness: you can't quite tell where people are in relation to one another.

The New Yorker

And it's easy to lose any sense of where you are in relation to everything else.

The New York Times - Travel

"The charges are in relation to an incident at Stevenage rail station on the evening of Thursday 4 July.

The Guardian - Sport

"The problem is that who you are in relation to the world changes," says Lee of this newfound stability.

The Guardian

Sometimes it's quite hard to work out exactly where halls of residence are in relation to where you study.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are in relation to", ensure clarity regarding what two entities are being related. Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating both subjects.

Common error

Avoid using "are in relation to" when a simpler alternative like "are related to" or "concern" is more concise and equally accurate. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are in relation to" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, indicating a connection, comparison, or relevance between two or more entities. Ludwig confirms the expression’s wide applicability across numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

35%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are in relation to" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a connection, comparison, or relevance between entities. As Ludwig's analysis shows, it's grammatically correct and frequently found in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. While it’s acceptable across different registers, consider simpler alternatives like "are related to" or "pertain to" for concise writing. Remember to explicitly state what two entities are being related to avoid ambiguity. With an expert rating of 4.5, the phrase is deemed reliable for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are connected to

Focuses on a direct link or association between subjects.

are associated with

Highlights a correlation or common occurrence between elements.

are relevant to

Emphasizes the pertinence or applicability of one thing to another.

are pertinent to

Similar to 'relevant to', but often implies a more direct and specific connection.

are linked to

Indicates a causal or correlational relationship.

are compared to

Stresses a comparison of characteristics.

are in comparison to

More formal version of "are compared to", used to introduce comparison points.

are relative to

Implies a dependency or scaling based on another factor.

pertain to

Highlights a direct and often formal relevance.

apply to

Focuses on how something is applicable or used in a specific scenario.

FAQs

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

Use "are in relation to" to show a connection or comparison between two or more things. For example, "The findings of the study "are in relation to" the impact of climate change on biodiversity".

What phrases can I use instead of "are in relation to"?

Alternatives include phrases like "are related to", "are connected to", or "pertain to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always necessary to use "are in relation to", or can I use a simpler phrase?

In many cases, a simpler phrase like "are related to" or "concern" is sufficient. "Are in relation to" can sometimes sound overly formal or complex, so choose the clearest and most concise option.

What is the difference between "are in relation to" and "are in reaction to"?

"Are in relation to" indicates a general connection or comparison, while "are in reaction to" suggests a response or consequence to something. The two phrases have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately.