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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
are relative on
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "are relative on" is not correct in standard written English.
It is not a commonly used expression and may confuse readers. Example: "The results of the experiment are relative on the conditions under which it was conducted."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
Science
Wiki
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
2 human-written examples
But Skolem's Paradox shows that set-theoretic notions are relative on the algebraic conception of axiomatization.
Science
Keep in mind that "faster" and "slower" gaits are relative on the speed of the other horses in the arena.
Wiki
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
58 human-written examples
For individuals, though, performance is relative on the way up but absolute on the way down.
News & Media
Those who argue that truth is relative on this basis, says Twardowski, make a mistake.
Science
Now, John and Jesus, according to Luke, were relatives on their mother's side.
News & Media
With few exceptions, Americans are relative newcomers on the international business scene.
News & Media
After all, AT&T and Verizon are relative newcomers on the TV market, compared to industry stalwarts like Comcast or Time Warner Cable.
News & Media
Still, there was relative calm on Bathurst from the bombing, last December, until May.
News & Media
Stay with me here — I'm talking about his famous mind experiment that proved how time can be relative depending on the observer.
News & Media
Everything is relative, especially on Wall Street.
News & Media
7) FROM Marketing Communication to Enabling Social Currency -The value of marketing communication is relative depending on its usefulness to people, be it informative, inspiring, social or otherwise.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Replace "are relative on" with more grammatically sound alternatives like "are dependent on" or "are contingent upon" to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.
Common error
Avoid using "relative" to express dependence. "Relative" typically describes comparisons, not causal relationships. Using it to mean "dependent" can confuse readers. Instead, use "dependent" or "contingent" for clarity.
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "are relative on" attempts to establish a relationship of dependence or contingency. However, this phrasing is not standard English and is considered grammatically incorrect. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's better to use alternatives like "are dependent on".
Frequent in
Science
50%
Wiki
50%
News & Media
0%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Academia
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "are relative on" is generally considered grammatically incorrect in standard English. As Ludwig AI confirms, alternatives such as "are dependent on" or "are contingent upon" are more appropriate for expressing dependence or conditionality. While the phrase appears in a limited number of contexts, primarily in Science and Wiki sources, its infrequency and grammatical issues suggest avoiding it in formal writing. To ensure clarity and credibility, opt for established phrases that accurately convey the intended meaning.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
are dependent on
Expresses a direct dependence, replacing "relative" with "dependent" for greater grammatical accuracy.
are contingent upon
Indicates conditionality, substituting "relative" with "contingent" to emphasize reliance on specific circumstances.
are conditional on
Similar to 'are contingent upon', emphasizing the dependence on specific conditions being met.
are subject to
Implies that something is influenced or controlled by something else, differing slightly in nuance from direct dependence.
are determined by
Highlights the role of a factor in deciding or establishing something, shifting the focus from relativity to causation.
are reliant on
Emphasizes dependence, replacing "relative" with "reliant" for a more straightforward expression of reliance.
are proportional to
Indicates a direct relationship where changes in one thing correspond to changes in another, focusing on proportionality rather than relativity.
are correlated with
Suggests a statistical association, differing in that it does not necessarily imply causation or direct dependence.
are connected to
Indicates a link or relationship, being broader than direct dependence and suitable for more general contexts.
are associated with
Similar to 'are connected to', indicating a relationship without necessarily implying direct dependence or causation.
FAQs
What is a more grammatically correct alternative to "are relative on"?
More appropriate alternatives include "are dependent on" or "are contingent upon". These options accurately convey the intended meaning of dependence.
How can I use "dependent on" in a sentence?
For example, "The success of the project is "dependent on" the team's collaboration." This illustrates a clear and grammatically correct usage.
Is it ever correct to use "relative" with "on"?
Yes, but in different contexts. For example, you might say, "The focus is on relative clinical effectiveness," where "relative" describes a comparison, not a dependency.
What's the difference between "are relative on" and "are dependent on"?
"Are relative on" is grammatically incorrect when the intended meaning is dependence. "Are dependent on" is the correct way to express that something is reliant on something else.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
80%
Authority and reliability
1.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested